THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
2971
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to water STANDARDS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 342D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"[Underlined: §342D- ] [Underlined: Municipal wastewater treatment facilities; state R-1 water standards][Underlined: .] [Underlined: (a) By January 1, 2040, all wastewater effluent produced by a municipal wastewater treatment facility owned by a State or county agency shall meet state R-1 water standards.]
[Underlined: (b) The department shall:]
[Underlined: (1)] [Underlined: Establish benchmarks at five-year intervals for all municipal wastewater treatment facilities owned by a State or county agency to ensure full compliance with state R-1 water standards by January 1, 2040; and]
[Underlined: (2)] [Underlined: Adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to effectuate the purposes of this section.]
[Underlined: (c) The legislature shall appropriate sufficient funds necessary to ensure compliance with this section.]
SECTION 2. Section 342D-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:
"[Underlined: "State R-1 water standards" means the applicable effluent water quality requirements for R-1 recycled water as established in chapter 11-62, Hawaii Administrative Rules.]"
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 2026-2027 for the purposes of this Act.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
INTRODUCED BY:
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Report Title:
DOH; Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facilities; State R-1 Water Standards; Appropriation
Description:
By 1/1/2040, requires all municipal wastewater treatment facilities owned by a State or county agency to meet state R-1 water standards. Requires the Department of Health to adopt five-year benchmarks to ensure compliance with state R-1 water standards. Requires the Legislature to appropriate sufficient funds. 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.