Bill Text: HI HB2621 | 2020 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating To Agriculture.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-01-27 - Referred to AGR/EEP, HLT, FIN, referral sheet 5 [HB2621 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2020-HB2621-Introduced.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2621 |
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THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to agriculture.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, individual onsite systems are regulated by states, tribes, and local governments. Currently under existing state law, individual wastewater systems classified as cesspools will have to be converted to septic systems by 2050. In Hawaii county, there are tens of thousands of existing cesspools, most of which have been functioning without problems for decades. Many agricultural lots in the county that are greater than 40,000 square feet are also currently served by cesspools. There is concern that because of rocky soil, which is widespread in Hawaii county, the installation of septic systems, as necessary to meet the 2050 deadline, will cost tens of thousands of dollars. While septic systems may be appropriate for some lots, it may be appropriate for Hawaii county to take over certain individual wastewater systems currently managed by the State and located within the county and develop alternate solutions for those individual wastewater systems. Alternate systems not currently in the conversion statute that would be appropriate for agriculture would include composting systems.
The purpose of this Act is to provide a county with an area greater than 4,000 square miles the authority to manage individual wastewater systems on agricultural lots greater than 40,000 square feet and located more than one mile from the coastline.
SECTION 2. Section 342D-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§342D-5[]] Rules; specific. The director may establish by rule, water
quality standards, effluent standards, treatment and pretreatment standards,
and standards of performance for specific areas and types of discharges in the
control of water pollution, thereby allowing for varying local conditions[.];
provided that in a county with an area greater than 4,000 square miles,
individual wastewater systems on agricultural lots greater than 40,000 square
feet and located more than one mile from the coastline shall be managed by the respective
county government."
SECTION 3. Section 342D-72, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
"(a) Prior to January 1, 2050, every cesspool in
the State, excluding cesspools granted exemptions by the director of health
pursuant to subsection (b)[,] and cesspools managed by a county
pursuant to section 342D-5, shall be:
(1) Upgraded or converted to a septic system or aerobic treatment unit system; or
(2) Connected to a sewerage system."
SECTION 4. 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 2020-2021 for the management of individual wastewater systems by the county governments as required by this Act.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Individual Wastewater Systems; Agricultural Lots; County Government; Appropriation
Description:
Authorizes a county with an area greater than 4,000 square miles to manage individual wastewater systems on agricultural lots greater than 40,000 square feet and located more than one mile from the coastline. Appropriates funds.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
