SB1239

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1239
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to Water Conservation.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that it is the policy of the State to engage in comprehensive water resource planning to address the problems of supply and conservation of water. However, more needs to be done to ensure that only nonpotable water is used for nonpotable purposes and that the maximum amount of potable water is available for all potable purposes. One source of nonpotable water is groundwater produced by wells drawing water from below the ingestion control line aquifers that also produce potable water. Another source of nonpotable water is recycled water, including treated sewage effluent, but the use of recycled water is limited by the infrastructure available for the production and distribution of, and the cost of acquiring, recycled water.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to prohibit the use of potable water to irrigate golf courses, except in certain situations.

SECTION 2. Chapter 342D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§342D- Irrigation of golf courses; use of potable water prohibited; exemption. (a) Potable water shall not be used for golf course irrigation, maintenance, or operation, except for human consumption.

(b) The department may exempt a golf course operator from subsection (a) if:

(1) The department determines that there is a threat to water quality or to public health and safety;

(2) The county in which the golf course is located determines that a source of nonpotable water will not be reasonably available in the near future; or

(3) The department determines that there is a serious threat to pre-existing permitted ground or surface water uses.

(c) Each county water service provider, in consultation with the department, shall establish standards for the distribution and use of nonpotable water and shall adopt rules in accordance with chapter 91 regarding the use of nonpotable water for golf course irrigation. The standards and rules shall protect water quality and the health and safety of the public."

SECTION 3. Section 342D-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new definitions to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:

""Potable water" means:

(1) Surface water that has been treated and satisfies standards set by administrative rules adopted by the department; and

(2) Ground water extracted at an acceptable rate that contains chlorides at a level, and that can be disinfected to standards, set by administrative rules adopted by the department.

"Surface water" has the same meaning defined in section 174C-3."

SECTION 4. Section 174C-5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§174C-5 General powers and duties. The general administration of the state water code shall rest with the commission on water resource management. In addition to its other powers and duties, the commission:

(1) Shall carry out topographic surveys, research, and investigations into all aspects of water use and water quality;

(2) Shall designate water management areas for regulation under this chapter where the commission, after the research and investigations mentioned in paragraph (1), shall consult with the appropriate county council and county water agency, and after public hearing and published notice, finds that the water resources of the areas are being threatened by existing or proposed withdrawals of water;

(3) Shall establish an instream use protection program designed to protect, enhance, and reestablish, where practicable, beneficial instream uses of water in the State;

(4) May contract and cooperate with the various agencies of the federal government and with state and local administrative and governmental agencies or private persons;

(5) May enter, after obtaining the consent of the property owner, at all reasonable times upon any property other than dwelling places for the purposes of conducting investigations and studies or enforcing any of the provisions of this code, being liable, however, for actual damage done. If consent cannot be obtained, reasonable notice shall be given prior to entry;

(6) Shall cooperate with federal agencies, other state agencies, county or other local governmental organizations, and all other public and private agencies created for the purpose of utilizing and conserving the waters of the State, and assist these organizations and agencies in coordinating the use of their facilities and participate in the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and data with these organizations and agencies. For this purpose the commission shall maintain an advisory staff of experts;

(7) Shall prepare, publish, and issue printed pamphlets and bulletins as the commission deems necessary for the dissemination of information to the public concerning its activities;

(8) May appoint and remove agents, including hearings officers and consultants, necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, who may be engaged by the commission without regard to the requirements of chapter 76 and section 78-1;

(9) May hire employees in accordance with chapter 76;

(10) May acquire, lease, and dispose of real and personal property as may be necessary in the performance of its functions, including the acquisition of real property for the purpose of conserving and protecting water and water related resources as provided in section 174C‑14;

(11) Shall identify, by continuing study, those areas of the State where salt water intrusion is a threat to fresh water resources and report its findings to the appropriate county mayor and council and the public;

(12) Shall provide coordination, cooperation, or approval necessary to the effectuation of any plan or project of the federal government in connection with or concerning the waters of the State. The commission shall approve or disapprove any federal plans or projects on behalf of the State. No other agency or department of the State shall assume the duties delegated to the commission under this paragraph; except that the department of health shall continue to exercise the powers vested in it with respect to water quality, and except that the department of business, economic development, and tourism shall continue to carry out its duties and responsibilities under chapter 205A;

(13) Shall plan and coordinate programs for the development, conservation, protection, control, and regulation of water resources, including nonpotable water, based upon the best available information, and in cooperation with federal agencies, other state agencies, county or other local governmental organizations, and other public and private agencies created for the utilization and conservation of water;

(14) Shall catalog and maintain an inventory of all water uses and water resources; and

(15) Shall determine appurtenant water rights, including but not limited to the quantification of the amount of water and the specification of the water course or the means of access and delivery entitled to by that right, which determination shall be valid for purposes of this chapter."

SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Potable Water; Nonpotable Water; Golf Courses; Irrigation; Water Conservation

Description:

Prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate golf courses subject to certain exceptions. Defines potable water.

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

SB 1239: RELATING TO WATER CONSERVATION.

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