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Bill

SB 619

RELATING TO STREAM WATER QUALITY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 3 co-sponsors

Hawaii bill SB 619 establishes stream water quality standards and regulations to protect ecosystems, public health, and cultural water practices statewide.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · SB 619

Legislative bill overview

SB 619 addresses stream water quality in Hawaii through legislative measures introduced by a bipartisan group of state senators. The bill was introduced in January 2025, passed first reading, and has been referred to the Health and Human Services/Agriculture and Environment Committee and the Ways and Means Committee for further consideration before being carried over to the 2026 regular session.

Why is this important

Hawaii's streams are vital to the state's ecosystems, agricultural operations, and native Hawaiian cultural practices. Water quality degradation affects public health, biodiversity, and the sustainability of both traditional and modern water-dependent industries across the islands.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural vs. Environmental Interests: Stream water quality regulations may conflict with farming operations, particularly sugar and diversified agriculture that rely on stream diversions
  • Native Hawaiian Water Rights: The bill may intersect with complex issues surrounding kuleana (native Hawaiian rights) to traditional water sources and customary practices
  • Implementation Costs and Enforcement: Establishing and maintaining water quality standards requires funding and regulatory infrastructure that could burden municipalities or the state budget

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

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