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Bill

HB 1728

RELATING TO RAINWATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 19 co-sponsors

HB 1728 establishes regulations for rainwater catchment systems in Hawaii to enable sustainable water use while ensuring public health and safety standards compliance.

Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888).
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Bill Summary · HB 1728

Legislative bill overview

HB 1728 establishes or modifies regulations governing rainwater catchment systems in Hawaii. The bill recently passed committee with amendments, indicating it addresses technical or operational standards for residential or commercial water collection systems. This legislation aims to clarify legal frameworks around harvesting and using rainwater on properties.

Why is this important

Hawaii faces water scarcity challenges, making alternative water sources strategically important for residential self-sufficiency and reducing strain on municipal systems. Clear rainwater catchment regulations can encourage sustainable water practices while protecting public health and water quality. Establishing standards also removes legal ambiguity that may currently discourage property owners from installing these systems.

Potential points of contention

  • System safety and water quality standards: Disagreement over whether standards are sufficiently strict to prevent contamination or overly burdensome for homeowners
  • Municipal water supply impact: Concerns from water utilities about lost revenue if widespread rainwater harvesting reduces demand for piped water
  • Property rights vs. public interest: Tension between individual landowner rights to capture precipitation and government interest in managing water resources collectively

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

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