The participants in a new water-
management initiative had several hits and only one miss at this year’s Legislature. House Bill 2042, which would have created a water-conservation system rebate program, failed to pass this session; coalition members plan to try again next year.
But here are the success stories — bills supported by Wai Maoli: Hawaii Fresh Water Initiative. They address various water-supply concerns that have passed the Legislature and await a decision by Gov. David Ige:
>> Senate Bill 2645 would implement a standardized statewide water-loss audit program, with the Commission on Water Resource Management providing technical assistance, ensuring that water losses are accurately identified.
>> HB 1749 would amend the Hawaii state water plan that by 2045, recycled water be used for all needs other than potable water use in state and county facilities.
>> HB 2029 would establish the Water Infrastructure Loan Program for the purchase and installation of water infrastructure improvements and equipment for dams, reservoirs, hydro-
electric facilities, storm water reclamation and other agricultural water distribution systems. It sets aside $800,000 in state funds to seed the program.
>> HB 2030 would prohibit the discharge of treated or raw sewage into state waters after 2026, except where sewage is being utilized to produce clean energy.
>> HB 2040 would establish a Natural Capital Investment Partnership as a pilot project to leverage state funds with matching federal, county, and private dollars. The measure provides $750,000 in state funds to seed the program which aims to kickstart public-private partnerships taking new approaches to increase recharge of the water source, boost water recycling and improve water efficiency.
>> HB 2077 would allow small-size hydropower as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy to be installed on agricultural lands as a permitted use.
— Vicki Viotti, Star-Advertiser
