HI SB635

Establishes a two-year water conservation financial assistance pilot program within each of the four county water supply departments to provide funding for water conservation incentive programs.

County water systems may offer rebate programs (up to 50% of installation costs) or direct replacement programs (100% of costs) for water conserving technologies including rain barrels, smart irrigation controllers, high-efficiency toilets, and other specified devices.

Each county water supply department must provide one-to-one matching funds (dollar-for-dollar) to qualify for state appropriations, which shall be disbursed equally among the four counties.

Counties must evaluate program effectiveness, document water saved, and submit findings and recommendations to the legislature by 20 days before the 2019 regular session regarding whether funding should be expanded, extended, or discontinued.

Appropriates unspecified funds from general revenues for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, effective July 1, 2099, and repeals June 30, 2019.