Bill Text: HI SB3021 | 2022 | Regular Session | Introduced

Hawaii Senate Bill 3021 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Relating To Flood Hazard Mitigations.

Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Democrat 10-1)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2022-01-26 - Referred to WTL, WAM. [SB3021 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2022-SB3021-Introduced.html

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3021
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to flood hazard MITIGATIONS.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that extreme rainfall has brought about frequent instances of flooding, particularly on Oahu's northern shores. Flooding has led to widespread devastation to property and the environment.

The legislature further finds, however, that the lack of coordination among property owners and government agencies has undermined efforts to respond to frequent flooding events. Greater understanding of flood hazards, land jurisdictions, and potential mitigation strategies would be beneficial for the State in its response to flooding.

The purpose of this Act is to improve the State's ability to respond to floods by directing the department of land and natural resources forestry and wildlife division to conduct a study of flood hazard mitigation in Waiahole valley.

SECTION 2. (a) The department of land and natural resources division of forestry and wildlife shall conduct a study of flood hazards and stream management practices in Waiahole valley.

(b) The study shall address the following:

(1) The effects of landowner decisions on surrounding landowners and the community with a focus on flood risk;

(2) The obligations of government branches, private landowners, and the larger community;

(3) Hazards to public and private property, agriculture, and safety;

(4) Flood hazards related to stream management and overgrowth;

(5) Jurisdiction of public and private entities, including:

(A) Private landowners;

(B) State departments and agencies; and

(6) Limitations on active management by landowners and public entities;

(7) Permitting;

(8) Environmental conservation;

(9) Best management practices for Waiahole valley and implications for other drainage basins;

(10) Recommendations to address issues identified by the study; and

(11) A cost benefit analysis of establishing permanent staff to coordinate stream management across landownership boundaries in the State.

(d) The study shall be conducted in consultation with the Hawaii housing finance and development corporation, the department of Hawaiian homelands, the commission on water resource management, and the city and county of Honolulu.

(e) The department of land and natural resources division of forestry and wildlife may contract with outside services for the purposes of this Act.

(f) The department of land and natural resources division of forestry and wildlife shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations resulting from the study, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty-one days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2024.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $100,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2022-2023 for the department of land and natural resources, division of forestry and wildlife to conduct a study of flood hazards and stream management in Waiahole valley.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Flood Hazard Reduction; Study; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Waiahole Valley; Appropriation

Description:

Directs the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife to conduct a study of flood hazards and stream management in Waiahole Valley. Appropriates funds to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

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