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SR 137

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A WATER ACCESS PILOT PROJECT DEMONSTRATING THE KOHALA REGION'S CAPACITY FOR A POTABLE WATER SYSTEM.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Richards

Hawaii legislature requests Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to study Kohala region's capacity for potable water system through pilot project.

Report and Resolution Adopted. Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 1 (Senator(s) DeCorte).
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Bill Summary · SR 137

Legislative bill overview

SR 137 requests that Hawaii's Department of Hawaiian Home Lands develop and implement a pilot project to assess whether the Kohala region can support a potable water system. This is a resolution—a non-binding request rather than law—that directs a state agency to study water infrastructure feasibility in this specific area.

Why is this important

Water access is a critical issue for Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries and rural communities. The Kohala region has historically faced water scarcity challenges, so a feasibility study could determine whether investment in water infrastructure is viable and whether it would improve quality of life for residents. The pilot project's findings could inform future funding decisions and water resource management policy for the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: The resolution doesn't specify how the pilot project will be funded or what its budget will be, raising questions about state spending priorities during tight budget cycles
  • Timeline and commitment: As a non-binding resolution, there's no enforcement mechanism ensuring the department actually completes the project or implements recommendations
  • Scope limitations: Focusing only on Kohala may not address broader water infrastructure needs across Hawaiian Home Lands or other rural areas with similar challenges

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

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