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Bill

Bill

SB 848

RELATING TO DESALINATION.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Henry Aquino and 10 co-sponsors

Hawaii advances desalination legislation to address water security challenges while balancing environmental, cost, and equity concerns for island communities.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#desalination #planningtaskforce #potablewater
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Bill Summary · SB 848

Legislative bill overview

SB 848 relates to desalination policy in Hawaii, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the legislative record provided. The bill has advanced through the Water and Land (WTL) committee with amendments and was passed on second reading, currently carried over to the 2026 regular session for continued consideration.

Why is this important

Desalination is increasingly relevant to Hawaii's water security, particularly given the islands' vulnerability to drought, agricultural water demands, and reliance on imported resources. Legislative action on desalination can affect water availability, energy costs, environmental impacts, and infrastructure development across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Environmental concerns: Desalination plants consume significant energy and may have ecological impacts on marine environments through brine discharge and intake operations
  • Cost and affordability: Desalinated water is expensive to produce; debate likely exists over who bears costs and how to ensure equitable access for communities with limited resources
  • Freshwater preservation: Desalination policy intersects with questions about protecting Hawaii's remaining freshwater sources and addressing historical water rights disputes with agricultural interests

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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