HI HB631

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 174C-87 to require owners of abandoned wells to repair or fill and seal wells at their own expense, as determined by rules adopted under chapter 91.

Establishes liability for property owners who transfer ownership without first reporting and repairing or sealing abandoned wells, provided the Commission on Water Resources establishes the well was abandoned at time of transfer and the owner failed to report or seal it.

Protects new property owners from liability for abandoned wells if the Commission establishes the transferring owner's liability under the amended statute.

Appropriates unspecified funds from a special fund for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 for three new positions at the Department of Land and Natural Resources: two site inspector positions and one position to oversee well sealing contracts and enforcement standards.

Appropriates additional unspecified funds for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 for enforcement of well abandonment requirements.