SB 946: Wastewater; Raw Sewage; Treatment Plants; Discharge; Prohibition
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2025-04-01
Current Status:
In Progress
(2025-05-16: Act 060, on 05/16/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1160).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Clarifies that the prohibition against discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/2026 includes treatment plants. Repeals the exemption from the prohibition for treatment plants that utilize sewage to produce clean energy. (HD3)
Clarifies that the prohibition against discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/2026 includes treatment plants. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD2)
Clarifies that the prohibition against discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/2026 applies to treatment plants. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Clarifies that the prohibition against discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/2026 applies to treatment plants. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD2)
Establishes that the prohibition against discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/2026 shall not apply to treatment plants that have a treatment capacity of less than ten million gallons per day. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)
Clarifies the exemptions to the prohibition on discharging any wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after December 31, 2026, including an exemption for treatment plants having a treatment capacity of less than 10,000,000 gallons per day.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
946 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 3 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 342D-50.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§342D-50.5[] Treated] Wastewater or raw sewage; prohibition. (a)
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no person[, including
any public body,] or treatment plant shall discharge
any [treated] wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after
December 31, 2026; provided that this section shall not apply to a [sewage]
person or treatment plant that[:
(1) Utilizes sewage to produce clean
energy pursuant to section 196-10.5; and
(2) Is] is in
compliance with this chapter, rules adopted pursuant to this chapter, or a
permit or variance issued by the director.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to:
(1) Prohibit the use of reclaimed or recycled water for a beneficial purpose as provided by law; or
(2) Allow the discharge of [treated]
wastewater or raw sewage into state waters in violation of any federal
statute, rule, or regulation."
SECTION 2. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
Wastewater; Raw Sewage; Treatment Plants; Discharge; Prohibition
Description:
Clarifies that the prohibition against discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/2026 includes treatment plants. Repeals the exemption from the prohibition for treatment plants that utilize sewage to produce clean energy. (HD3)
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. |
946 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 2 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 342D-50.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§342D-50.5[] Treated] Wastewater or raw sewage; prohibition. (a)
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no person[, including
any public body,] or treatment plant shall discharge
any [treated] wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after
December 31, 2026; provided that this section shall not apply to a [sewage]
person or treatment plant that[:
(1) Utilizes sewage to produce clean
energy pursuant to section 196-10.5; and
(2) Is] is in
compliance with this chapter, rules adopted pursuant to this chapter, or a
permit or variance issued by the director.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to:
(1) Prohibit the use of reclaimed or recycled water for a beneficial purpose as provided by law; or
(2) Allow the discharge of [treated]
wastewater or raw sewage into state waters in violation of any federal
statute, rule, or regulation."
SECTION 2. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Wastewater; Raw Sewage; Treatment Plants; Discharge; Prohibition
Description:
Clarifies that the prohibition against discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/2026 includes treatment plants. 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. |
946 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 342D-50.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§342D-50.5[] Treated] Wastewater or raw sewage; prohibition. (a)
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no [person, including
any public body,] treatment plant shall discharge
any [treated] wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after
December 31, 2026; provided that this section shall not apply to a [sewage]
treatment plant that[:
(1) Utilizes sewage to produce clean
energy pursuant to section 196-10.5; and
(2) Is] is in
compliance with this chapter, rules adopted pursuant to this chapter, or a
permit or variance issued by the director.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to:
(1) Prohibit the use of reclaimed or recycled water for a beneficial purpose as provided by law; or
(2) Allow the discharge of [treated]
wastewater or raw sewage into state waters in violation of any federal
statute, rule, or regulation."
SECTION 2. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Wastewater; Raw Sewage; Treatment Plants; Discharge; Prohibition
Description:
Clarifies that the prohibition against discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/2026 applies to treatment plants. 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.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
946 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 342D-50.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§342D-50.5[] Treated] Wastewater or raw sewage; prohibition. (a)
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no [person, including
any public body,] treatment plant shall discharge
any [treated] wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after
December 31, 2026; provided that this section shall not apply to a [sewage]
treatment plant that[:
(1) Utilizes sewage to produce] produces
clean energy pursuant to section 196-10.5[;] and
[(2) Is] is in
compliance with this chapter, rules adopted pursuant to this chapter, or a
permit or variance issued by the director.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to:
(1) Prohibit the use of reclaimed or recycled water for a beneficial purpose as provided by law; or
(2) Allow the discharge of [treated]
wastewater or raw sewage into state waters in violation of any federal
statute, rule, or regulation."
SECTION 2. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on December 31, 2050.
Report Title:
Wastewater; Raw Sewage; Treatment; Discharge; Prohibition
Description:
Clarifies that the prohibition against discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/2026 applies to treatment plants. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
946 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 342D-50.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§342D-50.5[] Treated] Wastewater or raw
sewage; prohibition. (a) Notwithstanding any other law to the
contrary, no person, including any public body, shall discharge
any [treated] wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after
December 31, 2026; provided that this section shall not apply to a [sewage]
treatment plant that:
(1) [Utilizes sewage to produce] Produces
clean energy pursuant to section 196-10.5[;] and
[(2) Is] is in
compliance with this chapter, rules adopted pursuant to this chapter, or a
permit or variance issued by the director[.]; or
(2) Has a treatment capacity of less than ten million gallons per day.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to:
(1) Prohibit the use of reclaimed or recycled water for a beneficial purpose as provided by law; or
(2) Allow the discharge of [treated]
wastewater or raw sewage into state waters in violation of any federal
statute, rule, or regulation."
SECTION 2. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on December 31, 2050.
Report Title:
Wastewater; Raw Sewage; Treatment; Discharge; Prohibition
Description:
Establishes that the prohibition against discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after 12/31/2026 shall not apply to treatment plants that have a treatment capacity of less than ten million gallons per day. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
946 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to wastewater management.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Section 342D-50.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§342D-50.5[] Treated] Wastewater or raw
sewage; prohibition. (a) Notwithstanding any other law to the
contrary, no person, including any public body, shall discharge
any [treated] wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after
December 31, 2026; provided that this section shall not apply to a [sewage]
treatment plant that:
(1) [Utilizes sewage to produce] Produces
clean energy pursuant to section 196-10.5; [and]
(2) Is in compliance with this chapter,
rules adopted pursuant to this chapter, or a permit or variance issued by the
director[.]; or
(3) Has a treatment capacity of less than ten million gallons per day.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to:
(1) Prohibit the use of reclaimed or recycled water for a beneficial purpose as provided by law; or
(2) Allow the discharge of [treated]
wastewater or raw sewage into state waters in violation of any federal
statute, rule, or regulation."
SECTION 2. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. 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:
Wastewater; Raw Sewage; Treatment; Discharge; Prohibition
Description:
Clarifies the exemptions to the prohibition on discharging any wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after December 31, 2026, including an exemption for treatment plants having a treatment capacity of less than 10,000,000 gallons per day.
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
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Status
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| May 16, 2025 | Act 060, on 05/16/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1160). |
| May 16, 2025 | Act 060, 05/16/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1160). |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Enrolled to Governor. |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 845). |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Passed Final Reading. Ayes, 23; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 2 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte). Excused, 0 (none). |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Received notice of reconsideration and Senate agreement (Sen. Com. No. 832). |
| Apr 17, 2025 | One Day Notice 04-21-25 |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Senate agrees with House amendments. Placed on the calendar for Final Reading on 04-21-25. |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Reconsideration of action taken on 04-08-25 in disagreeing to the House amendments. |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 774). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Senate disagrees with House amendments. |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 589). |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Passed Third Reading as amended in HD 3 with Representative(s) Amato, Shimizu voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Muraoka, Pierick voting no (4) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 2, 2025 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Friday, 04-04-25. |
| Apr 2, 2025 | Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1786) as amended in HD 3, recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 27, 2025 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Hashem, Kahaloa, Perruso, Takayama; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Garcia, Shimizu; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Cochran, Todd. |
| Mar 25, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Thursday, 03-27-25 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 20, 2025 | Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on JHA as amended in HD 2 with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Amato, Garcia, Muraoka, Shimizu voting no (5) and Representative(s) Cochran, Ward excused (2). |
| Mar 20, 2025 | Reported from WAL (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1405) as amended in HD 2, recommending referral to JHA. |
| Mar 18, 2025 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Hashem, Lamosao, Belatti, Ichiyama, Iwamoto, Morikawa, Poepoe, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; 1 Noes: Representative(s) Shimizu; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Woodson. |
| Mar 14, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by WAL on Tuesday, 03-18-25 10:00AM in House conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 14, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on WAL with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Amato, Garcia, Muraoka voting no (3) and Representative(s) Cochran, Holt, Iwamoto, Ward excused (4). |
| Mar 14, 2025 | Reported from EEP (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1249) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to WAL. |
| Mar 13, 2025 | The committee on EEP recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Lowen, Perruso, Kahaloa, Kusch, Quinlan; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Ward. |
| Mar 10, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by EEP on Thursday, 03-13-25 9:45AM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Referred to EEP, WAL, JHA, referral sheet 19 |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 225) in amended form (SD 2). |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 23; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) Fevella. Noes, 2 (Senator(s) Awa, DeCorte). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice 03-04-25. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 923) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). |
| Feb 26, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WAM were as follows: 13 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) Fevella ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 20, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-26-25 10:03AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 14, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Feb 14, 2025 | Reported from HHS/AEN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 641) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Jan 31, 2025 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HHS were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, Aquino, Hashimoto, Keohokalole; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Jan 31, 2025 | The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in AEN were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Gabbard, DeCoite, Rhoads; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Richards, Awa. |
| Jan 30, 2025 | The committee(s) on HHS/AEN added the measure to the public hearing scheduled on 01-31-25 1:00PM; CR 225 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 30, 2025 | Public notice requirement waived pursuant to Senate Rule 21. |
| Jan 23, 2025 | Referred to HHS/AEN, WAM. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Jan 17, 2025 | Introduced. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Apr 21, 2025 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 4, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Mar 27, 2025 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs |
Passed |
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| Mar 18, 2025 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Water & Land |
Passed |
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| Mar 13, 2025 | The committee on EEP recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection |
Passed |
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| Mar 4, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Feb 26, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
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| Jan 31, 2025 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services |
Passed |
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| Jan 31, 2025 | The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Environment |
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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| and Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition | ** Support | |
| County of Maui | *** Support | Mar 27, 2025 |
| Department of Health | ** Support | |
| Department of Health | *** Support | Mar 27, 2025 |
| Environmental Management Division - Clean Water Branch | *** Support | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Environmental Management Division Clean Water Branch (EMD-CWB) | *** Support | Mar 27, 2025 |
| Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation | *** Support | Feb 25, 2025 |
| Mayor of the County of Maui | ** Support | |
| State of Hawaii | *** Support | Mar 27, 2025 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1786
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 946
S.D. 2
H.D. 3
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 946, S.D. 2, H.D. 2, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Clarify that the prohibition against discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after December 31, 2026, includes treatment plants; and
(2) Repeal the exemption from the prohibition for treatment plants that utilize sewage to produce clean energy.
Your Committee finds that in order to protect the waters of the State, it is vital to prohibit practices that discharge wastewater and raw sewage into state waters. This measure seeks to clarify that the existing prohibition on discharging any wastewater or raw sewage extends to treatment plants, which will ensure a greater level of environmental protection for state waters.
Your Committee has amended this measure by changing its effective date to upon approval.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 946, S.D. 2, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 946, S.D. 2, H.D. 3.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,
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____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1405
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 946
S.D. 2
H.D. 2
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 946, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT,"
begs leave to report as follows:
(1) Repealing the exemption for treatment plants that produce clean energy; and
(2) Applying the prohibition to all treatment plants.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; Office of the Mayor of the County of Maui; and Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition.
Your Committee finds that this measure will enable critical projects, such as the Central Maui Wastewater Reclamation Facility, to move forward without costly delays and will support affordable housing and environmental protection efforts.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Restoring the statutory provisions prohibiting a person from discharging any wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after December 31, 2026; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 946, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 946, S.D. 2, H.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,
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____________________________ MARK J. HASHEM, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1249
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 946
S.D. 2
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 946, S.D. 2, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to clarify that the prohibition against discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after December 31, 2026, applies to treatment plants.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health and Office of the Mayor of the County of Maui. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition.
Your Committee finds that prohibiting practices that discharge wastewater and raw sewage is necessary to protect Hawaii's waters. Your Committee further finds that existing law prohibits the discharge of any treated or raw sewage into state waters, with certain exemptions. This measure is intended to clarify what discharge is subject to the law and what is exempt.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Removing the exemption for treatment plants that produce clean energy;
(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(3) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 946, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 946, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Water & Land.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection,
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____________________________ NICOLE E. LOWEN, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 923
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 946
S.D. 2
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 946, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to exempt treatment plants that have a capacity of less than ten million gallons per day from the prohibition against discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after December 31, 2026.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, and Maui County Council.
Your Committee finds that the measure as received by your Committee substituted the word "wastewater" for the words "treated sewage," and so appeared to increase the scope of the prohibition on wastewater or raw sewage discharge to include aquariums, hotels, office buildings, and other facilities that are currently allowed to discharge wastewater to state waters under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. Your Committee finds that clarifying that the prohibition applies to treatment plants will avoid these unintended consequences.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Clarifying that the prohibition against discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after December 31, 2026, applies to treatment plants; and
(2) Deleting the exemption for treatment plants that have a capacity of less than ten million gallons per day.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 946, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 946, S.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 641
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 946
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committees on Health and Human Services and Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 946 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT,"
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to clarify the exemptions to the prohibition on discharging any wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after December 31, 2026, including an exemption for treatment plants having a treatment capacity of less than 10,000,000 gallons per day.
Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Maui County Department of Environmental Management.
Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Health.
Your Committees find that section 342D-50.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, which prohibits discharge of wastewater and raw sewage into state waters after December 31, 2026, applies to all dischargers, including household septic systems, individual wastewater systems serving condominium buildings, and wastewater treatment and disposal systems serving small and remote communities. Your Committees further find that these small dischargers are highly unlikely to have the resources to construct and successfully operate and maintain systems that utilize sewage to produce clean energy pursuant to the existing statutory requirement. This measure provides clarity to section 342D-50.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, by specifying what discharges the prohibition applies to, and how discharge compliance can be achieved.
Your Committees have amended this measure by:
(1) Clarifying that treatment plants that produce clean energy must also be in compliance with applicable state law, rules, and permits or variances issued by the Director of Health to be exempt from the prohibition against discharging wastewater or raw sewage into state waters after December 31, 2026; and
(2) Inserting an effective date of December 31, 2050, to encourage further discussion.
As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Health and Human Services and Agriculture and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 946, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 946, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Health and Human Services and Agriculture and Environment,
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________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair |
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________________________________ JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Mar 27, 2025 | SB946_HD2_TESTIMONY_JHA_03-27-25_.PDF |
| Mar 18, 2025 | SB946_HD1_TESTIMONY_WAL_03-18-25_.PDF |
| Mar 13, 2025 | SB946_SD2_TESTIMONY_EEP_03-13-25_.PDF |
| Feb 25, 2025 | SB946_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_02-26-25_.PDF |
| Jan 31, 2025 | SB946_TESTIMONY_HHS-AEN_01-31-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
27SEC
House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
54SEC
House Floor
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection
26SEC
Senate Floor
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
