Hawaii-2024-SR61-Introduced

WHEREAS, the flooding of streams has been a persistent problem in Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, trash and other debris can restrict the flow of water through streams and other waterways, thereby preventing the draining of stormwater and contributing to flooding; and

WHEREAS, woody debris, such as fallen trees, logs, and branches, while important to the aquatic habitat, can also obstruct drainage patterns and contribute to flooding; and

WHEREAS, the State and counties are statutorily required to conduct maintenance for streams under their respective jurisdictions, which includes stream cleaning and drainage improvement projects; and

WHEREAS, private landowners are responsible for stream management on their properties; and

WHEREAS, a common concern of homeowners and other landowners is the accumulation of debris in the stream channel that obstructs stream flow, which can lead to flooding; and

WHEREAS, this problem is compounded by the illegal dumping of trash that clogs and pollutes Hawaii's streams; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, through its stream maintenance schedule, as well as other departments and agencies that have jurisdiction over stream maintenance, such as the Department of Education, are often unable to clear all streams ahead of events that could lead to flooding; and

WHEREAS, proper stream management and maintenance are essential to clear waterways and prevent flooding; and

WHEREAS, effective stream management and maintenance are complex, multi-jurisdictional issues that require a high degree of collaboration and coordination, particularly in order to reduce inefficiencies and ensure that upkeep is sustained over the long term; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2024, that a Stream Maintenance Working Group is requested to be established within the Department of Land and Natural Resources; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Stream Maintenance Working Group is requested to consist of the following members:

(1) A representative of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, to be designated by the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources and to serve as chairperson of the working group;

(2) A representative of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Pacific Ocean Division, to be invited by the chairperson of the working group;

(3) A representative of the Department of Education, to be designated by the Superintendent of Education;

(4) A representative of the University of Hawaii, to be designated by the President of the University of Hawaii;

(5) A representative of the City and County of Honolulu, to be designated by the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu;

(6) A representative of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, to be designated by the Administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency;

(7) A private landowner, to be invited by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and

(8) A private landowner, to be invited by the President of the Senate; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the Stream Maintenance Working Group are requested to serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in carrying out their duties; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Stream Maintenance Working Group is requested to determine and develop a comprehensive solution for effective stream management and maintenance, working in collaboration with and seeking input from other state and county agencies, private landowners, and applicable stakeholders; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Stream Maintenance Working Group is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the Regular Session of 2025; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to provide any necessary administrative and staff support to the Stream Maintenance Working Group, including preparation of the report; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Commander and Division Engineer of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Pacific Ocean Division; Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources; Superintendent of Education; President of the University of Hawaii; Administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency; and Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu.

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Stream Maintenance Working Group; DLNR; Establishment

THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	61
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII