HI HB1576

Authorizes each county to levy a one-half percent county water infrastructure surcharge on state general excise tax and use tax upon adoption of a county ordinance.

Requires counties to conduct a public hearing and publish notice twice in a newspaper of general circulation at least 30 days before adopting a surcharge ordinance.

Surcharge revenues must be used exclusively for water infrastructure improvements including drainage, wastewater infrastructure, and reclaimed water infrastructure.

Prohibits any county water infrastructure surcharge from being levied prior to January 1, 2011, with collection beginning in the taxable year after ordinance adoption.

Director of Taxation shall collect and administer the surcharge, deduct a percentage for state administrative costs, and distribute remaining funds quarterly to each adopting county as general fund realizations.