HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2161
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to water.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  (a)  The water resources research center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa shall conduct a study of the increased safety standards for dams and reservoirs that were adopted by the department of land and natural resources under chapter 13-190.1, Hawaii Administrative Rules.  The study shall consider:

     (1)  The economic impact on agricultural enterprises of the increased safety standards, which have had the effect of lowering the water retention capacity of existing dams and reservoirs;

     (2)  The impact, if any, of the increased safety standards on dams' and reservoirs' contributions to the recharging of aquifers; and

     (3)  The environmental impact of increased stormwater runoff that is attributable to the decreased capacity of dams and reservoirs that cannot meet the safety standards.

     (b)  The water resources research center shall consult with the commission on water resource management, the economic research organization at the University of Hawaii, and any other agency or entity it deems appropriate to conduct the study.

     SECTION 2.  The water resources research center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature not later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2015.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $        or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 for the water resources research center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to conduct a study pursuant to this Act.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2014.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

UH; Dams; Reservoirs; Standards; Study; Report; Appropriation

 

Description:

Requires the water resources research center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to conduct a study on the impact of the increased safety standards for dams and reservoirs that were adopted by the department of land and natural resources.  Requires a report to the legislature.  Make an appropriation.  Effective 07/01/2015.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.