DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF MARCH AS MARCH4WATER MONTH IN THE STATE.

2026 Regular Session

Designates March 2026 as March4Water Month in Hawaii to raise awareness about water sustainability, access, and infrastructure investment.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 859).

#designated #march4watermonth

1. Purpose and Intent

Establishes March 2026 (and future observances) as March4Water Month in Hawaii.

Aims to raise awareness about water sustainability, access to safe drinking water, and the importance of investing in water infrastructure.

Aligns Hawaii’s efforts with global and national movements related to water management, including World Plumbing Day (March 11) and World Water Day (March 22).

2. Key Provisions and Changes

Proclamation: Designates March 2026 as March4Water Month in Hawaii, in partnership with the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and Plumbers and Fitters UA Local 675.

Awareness Campaign: Encourages participation by Hawaii residents in activities and programs that promote water awareness, education, and actions prioritizing water as a vital resource.

Partnerships and Endorsements: The designation involves collaboration with IAPMO and relevant local labor/industry groups, and recommends copy of the resolution be transmitted to state and municipal leadership and water agencies.

3. Affected Parties and Scope

General Public: Hawaii residents are encouraged to engage in awareness and educational activities.

Water Infrastructure Stakeholders: While non-binding, the resolution acknowledges the importance of maintaining and upgrading water systems and the skilled workforce (e.g., plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters) essential to water infrastructure.

Governmental Bodies: State Governor; Director of Health; Mayors of Honolulu and other counties; and leadership of major water utilities and departments listed in the resolution receive certified copies for acknowledgment and potential action.

4. Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Legislative Path: SCR (a concurrent resolution) passed through both Senate and House during the 2026 Regular Session, with multiple committee considerations (WAL, CAA) and amendments processed along the way.

Current Status (historical action):

Passed through respective committees with favorable recommendations.
Adopted by the Senate and transmitted to the House, then back and forth as part of the concurrent resolution process.
Final adopted status appeared by late April 2026, with formal transmission to the governor and relevant state offices.

Observance: March4Water Month is designated for March 2026 in Hawaii, with the possibility of continuing in future years if reaffirmed.

5. Context and Rationale Highlighted in the Resolution

The bill references nationwide infrastructure funding needs for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater, noting a projected national funding gap.

It acknowledges gaps in access to water services for some households and the role of water infrastructure in public health and economic vitality.

Emphasizes the local workforce that maintains water systems and aligns Hawaii’s observance with international standards and codes administered by IAPMO.

6. Practical Implications

Symbolic and educational impact: Raised public awareness about water sustainability and infrastructure investment.

Potential for community events, educational programs, and industry outreach during March4Water Month.

Non-binding in nature; serves as a formal recognition and invitation for statewide participation rather than creating new statutory mandates or funding commitments.

If you’d like, I can extract specific dates and tie them to the bill’s committee milestones or compare this to similar proclamations in other states.

Bill