SB 2398: County Board of Water Supply; Water Service Availability; Publication; Service Area Map; Service-Restricted Areas
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2026-04-28
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-05-27: Act 045, on 05/27/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1145).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill requires county boards of water supply to post on their websites a map of their water service areas and a list of service‑restricted areas for residential customers. It also requires the board to reply in writing to complete water‑availability requests for residential parcels of three or fewer units within 45 days, and says those decisions are valid for 90 days.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
No later than 1/1/2029, requires each county board of water supply to publish a map of its service area and a list of service-restricted areas on their website. Specifies a procedure for responding to certain water availability requests. (CD1)
No later than 1/1/2029, requires each county board of water supply to publish a map of its service area and a list of service-restricted areas on their website. Specifies a procedure for responding to certain water availability requests. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Requires each county board of water supply to publicly disclose through their website service connection availability for residential permitting and construction. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Requires county boards of water supply to publicly disclose through their websites general information of service connection availability for residential permitting and construction. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
Requires county boards of water supply to publicly disclose through its website general information of service connection availability for residential permitting and construction. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Requires county boards of water supply to publicly disclose through its website service connection availability for residential permitting and construction.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2398 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 2 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL HOUSING UTILITIES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
"§54- Service availability for residential dwellings. (a) The board of water supply shall publish on its website a map of its service areas and provide a list of service-restricted areas; provided that:
(1) Parcel-by-parcel information shall not be required; and
(2) Utility assets need not be specified.
(b) The map and list of service-restricted areas shall be published on the website of the board of water supply no later than January 1, 2029, and shall be kept reasonably updated.
(c) The board of water supply may include a disclaimer stating that the map data is preliminary and does not constitute an actual determination of water availability.
(d) For water availability requests concerning residentially zoned parcels of three or fewer units, the board shall respond in writing to complete requests within forty-five days of receipt. Any determination under this subsection shall be valid for ninety days from the date of issuance, unless otherwise specified by the board of water supply.
(e) The board of water supply may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary for the purposes of this section."
SECTION 2. Chapter 54, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§54- Service availability for residential dwellings. (a) The board of water supply shall publish on its website a map of its service areas and provide a list of service-restricted areas; provided that:
(1) Parcel-by-parcel information shall not be required; and
(2) Utility assets need not be specified.
(b) The map and list of service-restricted areas shall be published on the website of the board of water supply no later than January 1, 2029, and shall be kept reasonably updated.
(c) The board of water supply may include a disclaimer stating that the map data is preliminary and does not constitute an actual determination of water availability.
(d) For water availability requests concerning residentially zoned parcels of three or fewer units, the board shall respond in writing to complete requests within forty-five days of receipt. Any determination under this subsection shall be valid for ninety days from the date of issuance, unless otherwise specified by the board of water supply.
(e) The board of water supply may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary for the purposes of this section."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
County Board of Water Supply; Water Service Availability; Publication; Service Area Map; Service-Restricted Areas
Description:
No later than 1/1/2029, requires each county board of water supply to publish a map of its service area and a list of service-restricted areas on their website. Specifies a procedure for responding to certain water availability requests. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2398 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 2 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 2 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL HOUSING UTILITIES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
"§54- Service availability for residential dwellings. (a) The board of water supply shall publish on its website a map of its service areas and provide a list of service-restricted areas; provided that:
(1) Parcel-by-parcel information shall not be required; and
(2) Utility assets need not be specified.
(b) The map and list of service-restricted areas shall be published on the website of the board of water supply no later than January 1, 2029, and shall be kept reasonably updated.
(c) The board of water supply may include a disclaimer stating that the map data is preliminary and does not constitute an actual determination of water availability.
(d) For water availability requests concerning residentially zoned parcels of three or fewer units, the board shall respond in writing to complete requests within forty-five days of receipt. Any determination under this subsection shall be valid for ninety days from the date of issuance, unless otherwise specified by the board of water supply.
(e) The board of water supply may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary for the purposes of this section."
SECTION 2. Chapter 54, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§54- Service availability for residential dwellings. (a) The board of water supply shall publish on its website a map of its service areas and provide a list of service-restricted areas; provided that:
(1) Parcel-by-parcel information shall not be required; and
(2) Utility assets need not be specified.
(b) The map and list of service-restricted areas shall be published on the website of the board of water supply no later than January 1, 2029, and shall be kept reasonably updated.
(c) The board of water supply may include a disclaimer stating that the map data is preliminary and does not constitute an actual determination of water availability.
(d) For water availability requests concerning residentially zoned parcels of three or fewer units, the board shall respond in writing to complete requests within forty-five days of receipt. Any determination under this subsection shall be valid for ninety days from the date of issuance, unless otherwise specified by the board of water supply.
(e) The board of water supply may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary for the purposes of this section."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
County Board of Water Supply; Water Service Availability; Publication; Service Area Map; Service-Restricted Areas
Description:
No later than 1/1/2029, requires each county board of water supply to publish a map of its service area and a list of service-restricted areas on their website. Specifies a procedure for responding to certain water availability requests. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2398 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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|
|
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|
|
||
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|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL HOUSING UTILITIES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
"§54- Service availability for residential dwellings. (a) The board of water supply shall publish on its website maps of its service areas that:
(1) Reflect the availability of domestic water service for new residential dwelling construction or expansions of existing residential dwellings proposed for at least one to four housing units per parcel in residentially zoned areas;
(2) Include general descriptions regarding any limitations to the availability of domestic water service as a result of source, storage, or distribution deficiency; provided that:
(A) Parcel-by-parcel information shall not be required;
(B) Utility assets shall not need to be specified; and
(C) Geographically identified areas shall be consistent with the detail in general plan maps developed under section 46-4; and
(3) Include sufficient supporting analysis explaining the deficiency or other limitation in paragraph (2) that disallows a service connection.
(b) The maps shall be published on the website of the board of water supply no later than January 1, 2029, and updated no less than annually thereafter.
(c) The board of water supply may add a disclaimer stating that the map data is preliminary and is not the actual permit determination on water availability.
(d) For parcel owners where maps identify water availability, the board of water supply shall create a process on its website to request a conditional clearance based on maps confirming that water is available for a parcel. Any clearance positively confirming water service shall be honored if a building permit is submitted by the parcel owner within at least ninety days of board determination.
(e) The board of water supply may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary for the purposes of this section."
SECTION 2. Chapter 54, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§54- Service availability for residential dwellings. (a) The board of water supply shall publish on its website maps of its service areas that:
(1) Reflect the availability of domestic water service for new residential dwelling construction or expansions of existing residential dwellings proposed for at least one to four housing units per parcel in residentially zoned areas;
(2) Include general descriptions regarding any limitations to the availability of domestic water service as a result of source, storage, or distribution deficiency; provided that:
(A) Parcel-by-parcel information shall not be required;
(B) Utility assets shall not need to be specified; and
(C) Geographically identified areas shall be consistent with the detail in general plan maps developed under section 46-4; and
(3) Include sufficient supporting analysis explaining the deficiency or other limitation in paragraph (2) that disallows a service connection.
(b) The maps shall be published on the website of the board of water supply no later than January 1, 2029, and updated no less than annually thereafter.
(c) The board of water supply may add a disclaimer stating that the map data is preliminary and is not the actual permit determination on water availability.
(d) For parcel owners where maps identify water availability, the board of water supply shall create a process on its website to request a conditional clearance based on maps confirming that water is available for a parcel. Any clearance positively confirming water service shall be honored if a building permit is submitted by the parcel owner within at least ninety days of board determination.
(e) The board of water supply may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary for the purposes of this section."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Residential Utilities; Public Disclosure; Building Permitting; County Board of Water Supply
Description:
Requires each county board of water supply to publicly disclose through their website service connection availability for residential permitting and construction. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2398 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 2 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
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|
|
|
|
|
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||
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|
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL HOUSING UTILITIES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
"§54- Service availability for residential dwellings. (a) The board of water supply shall publish on its website reference maps of its service areas that:
(1) Reflect the availability of domestic water service for new residential dwelling construction or expansions of existing residential dwellings in residentially zoned areas;
(2) Include general descriptions of broad geographic zones with any limitations to the availability of domestic water service as a result of source, storage, or distribution deficiency, including the board's present inventory of owed but unfulfilled, unconstructed, or incomplete developer-funded improvements; provided that parcel-by-parcel information shall not be required on the reference maps; and
(3) Include sufficient supporting analysis explaining the deficiency or other limitation in paragraph (2) that disallows a service connection.
(b) The maps shall be published on the website of the board of water supply no later than July 1, 2027, and updated not less than annually thereafter.
(c) The board of water supply may include a disclaimer that any reference map is preliminary and shall not be the actual permit determination on water availability."
SECTION 2. Chapter 54, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§54- Service availability for residential dwellings. (a) The board of water supply shall publish on its website reference maps of its service areas that:
(1) Reflect the availability of domestic water service for new residential dwelling construction or expansions of existing residential dwellings in residentially zoned areas;
(2) Include general descriptions of broad geographic zones with any limitations to the availability of domestic water service as a result of source, storage, or distribution deficiency, including the board's present inventory of owed but unfulfilled, unconstructed, or incomplete developer-funded improvements; provided that parcel-by-parcel information shall not be required on the reference maps; and
(3) Include sufficient supporting analysis explaining the deficiency or other limitation in paragraph (2) that disallows a service connection.
(b) The maps shall be published on the website of the board of water supply no later than July 1, 2027, and updated not less than annually thereafter.
(c) The board of water supply may include a disclaimer that any reference map is preliminary and shall not be the actual permit determination on water availability."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
Residential Utilities; Public Disclosure; Building Permitting; County Boards of Water Supply
Description:
Requires county boards of water supply to publicly disclose through their websites general information of service connection availability for residential permitting and construction. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2398 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL HOUSING UTILITIES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
"§54- Service availability for residential dwellings. (a) The board of water supply shall publish on its website reference maps of its service areas that:
(1) Reflect the availability of domestic water service for new residential dwelling construction or expansions of existing residential dwellings in residentially zoned areas;
(2) Include general descriptions of broad geographic zones with any limitations to the availability of domestic water service as a result of source, storage, or distribution deficiency; provided that parcel-by-parcel information shall not be required on the reference maps; and
(3) Include sufficient supporting analysis explaining the deficiency or other limitation in paragraph (2) that disallows a service connection.
(b) The maps shall be published on the website of the board of water supply no later than July 1, 2027, and updated not less than annually thereafter.
(c) The board of water supply may include a disclaimer that any reference map is preliminary and shall not be the actual permit determination on water availability."
SECTION 2. Chapter 54, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§54- Service availability for residential dwellings. (a) The board of water supply shall publish on its website reference maps of its service areas that:
(1) Reflect the availability of domestic water service for new residential dwelling construction or expansions of existing residential dwellings in residentially zoned areas;
(2) Include general descriptions of broad geographic zones with any limitations to the availability of domestic water service as a result of source, storage, or distribution deficiency; provided that parcel-by-parcel information shall not be required on the reference maps; and
(3) Include sufficient supporting analysis explaining the deficiency or other limitation in paragraph (2) that disallows a service connection.
(b) The maps shall be published on the website of the board of water supply no later than July 1, 2027, and updated not less than annually thereafter.
(c) The board of water supply may include a disclaimer that any reference map is preliminary and shall not be the actual permit determination on water availability."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
Residential Utilities; Public Disclosure; Building Permitting; County Boards of Water Supply
Description:
Requires county boards of water supply to publicly disclose through its website general information of service connection availability for residential permitting and construction. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2398 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
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|
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to residential housing utilities.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
"§54- Service availability for residential dwellings. (a) The board of water supply shall publish on its website geographic information systems reference maps of its service areas that:
(1) Reflect the availability of domestic water service for new residential dwelling construction or expansions of existing residential dwellings in residentially zoned areas;
(2) Include with specificity any limitations to the availability of domestic water service as a result of source, storage, or distribution deficiency; and
(3) Include sufficient supporting analysis explaining the deficiency or other limitation in paragraph (2) that disallows a service connection.
(b) The maps shall be published on the website of the board of water supply no later than July 1, 2027, and updated not less than annually thereafter.
(c) If a parcel owner disagrees with any map or analysis published by the board of water supply, the parcel owner may appeal the decision under section 91-9. Each parcel determination shall be considered an agency decision for purposes of chapter 91.
(d) Residential building permit applicants and related permitting agencies may rely upon the most recent applicable map."
SECTION 2. Chapter 54, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§54- Service availability for residential dwellings. (a) The board of water supply shall publish on its website geographic information systems reference maps of its service areas that:
(1) Reflect the availability of domestic water service for new residential dwelling construction or expansions of existing residential dwellings in residentially zoned areas;
(2) Include with specificity any limitations to the availability of domestic water service as a result of source, storage, or distribution deficiency; and
(3) Include sufficient supporting analysis explaining the deficiency or other limitation in paragraph (2) that disallows a service connection.
(b) The maps shall be published on the website of the board of water supply no later than July 1, 2027, and updated not less than annually thereafter.
(c) If a parcel owner disagrees with any map or analysis published by the board of water supply, the parcel owner may appeal the decision under section 91-9. Each parcel determination shall be considered an agency decision for purposes of chapter 91.
(d) Residential building permit applicants and related permitting agencies may rely upon the most recent applicable map."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
Residential Utilities; Public Disclosure; Building Permitting; County Boards of Water Supply
Description:
Requires county boards of water supply to publicly disclose through its website service connection availability for residential permitting and construction.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
|
Status
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|---|---|
| May 27, 2026 | Act 045, on 05/27/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1145). |
| May 27, 2026 | Act 045, 05/27/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1145). |
| May 7, 2026 | Enrolled to Governor. |
| May 8, 2026 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with Representative(s) Reyes Oda voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Cochran, Garcia, Gedeon, Muraoka, Shimizu voting no (6) and none excused (0). |
| May 5, 2026 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 814). |
| May 1, 2026 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) Fukunaga). |
| May 1, 2026 | Deferred one day 05-06-26. |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Friday, 05-01-26. |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 27-26) as amended in (CD 1). |
| Apr 29, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-01-26. |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 27-26). |
| Apr 27, 2026 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 3 Ayes: Representative(s) Evslin, Hashem, Tarnas; Ayes with reservations: none; 1 Noes: Representative(s) Cochran; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Wakai, Chang, Keohokalole; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 761). |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Conference committee meeting scheduled for 04-27-26 10:11AM; Conference Room 224. |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Wakai Chair; Chang, Keohokalole Co-Chairs; Fevella. |
| Apr 21, 2026 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 800). |
| Apr 21, 2026 | House Conferees Appointed: Evslin, Hashem, Tarnas Co-Chairs; Cochran. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 710). |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Senate disagrees with House amendments. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 655). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | Passed Third Reading as amended in HD 2 with Representative(s) Reyes Oda voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Cochran, Garcia, Gedeon, Muraoka, Shimizu voting no (6) and none excused (0). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Tuesday, 04-14-26. |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2034-26) as amended in HD 2, recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 2, 2026 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 7 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Hashem, Kahaloa, Takayama, Shimizu; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Cochran; 1 Noes: Representative(s) Garcia; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Belatti, Sayama. |
| Mar 31, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Thursday, 04-02-26 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on JHA with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Gedeon, Muraoka, Shimizu voting no (5) and Representative(s) Cochran, Lowen, Perruso, Quinlan excused (4). |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Reported from WAL (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1522-26), recommending referral to JHA. |
| Mar 24, 2026 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 6 Ayes: Representative(s) Hashem, Morikawa, Ichiyama, Woodson, Souza; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Poepoe; 2 Noes: Representative(s) Iwamoto, Shimizu; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Belatti. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by WAL on Tuesday, 03-24-26 9:00AM in House conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on WAL with Representative(s) Alcos, Poepoe voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Cochran, Garcia, Muraoka voting no (3) and Representative(s) Quinlan excused (1). |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Reported from HSG (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1308-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to WAL. |
| Mar 18, 2026 | The committee on HSG recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 7 Ayes: Representative(s) Evslin, Miyake, Grandinetti, Kila, Kitagawa, La Chica, Pierick; Ayes with reservations: none; 2 Noes: Representative(s) Cochran, Muraoka; and Excused: none. |
| Mar 16, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by HSG on Wednesday, 03-18-26 9:00AM in House conference room 430 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Referred to HSG, WAL, JHA, referral sheet 17 |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 228) in amended form (SD 2). |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice 03-10-26. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Reported from CPN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2792) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). |
| Feb 26, 2026 | The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in CPN were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Fukunaga, McKelvey, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Lamosao. |
| Feb 20, 2026 | The committee(s) on CPN will hold a public decision making on 02-26-26 9:45AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 12, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to CPN. |
| Feb 12, 2026 | Reported from EIG/HOU (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2225) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to CPN. |
| Feb 5, 2026 | The committee(s) on HOU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HOU were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Chang, Hashimoto, Elefante, Rhoads; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Feb 5, 2026 | The committee(s) on EIG recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in EIG were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Wakai, Chang; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) Richards ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) DeCoite, Fevella. |
| Feb 2, 2026 | The committee(s) on EIG/HOU has scheduled a public hearing on 02-05-26 1:00PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Referred to EIG/HOU, CPN. |
| Jan 21, 2026 | Introduced and passed First Reading. |
| Jan 20, 2026 | Pending Introduction. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 1, 2026 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 14, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 2, 2026 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs |
Passed |
|
| Mar 24, 2026 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Water & Land |
Passed |
|
| Mar 18, 2026 | The committee on HSG recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Housing |
Passed |
|
| Mar 10, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Feb 26, 2026 | The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection |
Passed |
|
| Feb 5, 2026 | The committee(s) on HOU recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Housing |
Passed |
|
| Feb 5, 2026 | The committee(s) on EIG recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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|---|---|---|
| Avalon Development Company LLC | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| County of Maui | *** Against | Mar 24, 2026 |
| County of Maui (Office of the Mayor) | *** Against | Feb 5, 2026 |
| Department of Water Supply, County of Hawaii | *** Against | Feb 5, 2026 |
| Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Association of REALTORS | ** Support | |
| Hawai‘i YIMBY | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Honolulu Board of Water Supply | *** Against | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Housing Hawai‘i’s Future | *** Support | Mar 17, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2792
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2398
S.D. 2
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 2398, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL HOUSING UTILITIES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to require county boards of water supply to publicly disclose general information of service connection availability for residential permitting and construction through their websites.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Avalon Development LLC, Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, and Hawaiʻi YIMBY.
Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Honolulu Board of Water Supply and one individual.
Your Committee finds that reliable access to water is fundamental for residential housing development. However, there can be occurrences in the State where projects advance through the planning and early permitting stages then encounter previously undisclosed water infrastructure limitations that can delay or halt housing development. This measure would support the development of housing in the State by providing certainty for housing developers to ensure they are able to focus resources on viable housing projects.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Inserting language to require county boards of water supply to include in disclosures their present inventory of certain developer-funded improvements; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2398, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2398, S.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection,
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________________________________ JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2225
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2398
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Housing, to which was referred S.B. No. 2398 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RESIDENTIAL HOUSING UTILITIES,"
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to require county boards of water supply to publicly disclose through its website service connection availability for residential permitting and construction.
Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Association of REALTORS and Hawaiʻi YIMBY.
Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Department of Water Supply of the County of Hawaiʻi, and Office of the Mayor of the County of Maui.
Your Committees find that water systems are considered critical infrastructure by the federal government and provide essential water service for both agriculture and residential purposes throughout the State. Reliable access to water is one of the most basic requirements for housing, yet uncertainty about water service availability continues to delay or halt residential construction and permitting across the State. Your Committees further find that in the midst of a severe housing shortage and affordability crisis, uncertainty around infrastructure can add unnecessary delays, costs, and risk to housing projects. By requiring the county boards of water supply to provide service connection availability information, this measure will help align housing development with real-world infrastructure conditions.
Your Committees acknowledge the testimony from the Honolulu Board of Water Supply and Department of Water Supply of the County of Hawaii expressing concerns regarding critical infrastructure safety, generalized maps ambiguity, the burdens of contested cases, and increased liability risk. Therefore, amendments to this measure are necessary to address these concerns.
Accordingly, your Committees have amended this measure by:
(1) Clarifying that the boards of water supply shall publish generalized reference maps and information rather than detailed or specific data;
(3) Deleting language that would have allowed a parcel owner to appeal any map or analysis published by the boards of water supply;
(4) Deleting language that would have authorized residential building permit applicants and related agencies to rely on the published maps;
(5) Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and
(6) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Housing that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2398, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2398, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Housing,
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________________________________ STANLEY CHANG, Chair |
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________________________________ GLENN WAKAI, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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|---|---|
| Apr 2, 2026 | SB2398_HD1_TESTIMONY_JHA_04-02-26_.PDF |
| Mar 24, 2026 | SB2398_HD1_TESTIMONY_WAL_03-24-26_.PDF |
| Mar 17, 2026 | SB2398_SD2_TESTIMONY_HSG_03-18-26_.PDF |
| Feb 26, 2026 | SB2398_SD1_TESTIMONY_CPN_02-26-26_.PDF |
| Feb 5, 2026 | SB2398_TESTIMONY_HOU-EIG_02-05-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
4MIN
House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
45SEC
House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
8MIN
House Standing Committee on Water & Land
2MIN
House Standing Committee on Water & Land
12MIN
House Standing Committee on Housing
2MIN
House Standing Committee on Housing
17MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Housing
17MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
