HI HB2027

Requires the state auditor to conduct a review of the Department of Health's Clean Water Branch water quality certification process under section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act.

Auditor review must examine whether implementing tiered certification levels based on environmental impact and project complexity would improve efficiency, and recommend fee structures for each tier.

Auditor must compare Hawaii's water quality certification process with approaches used in other states (Texas, Oregon, North Carolina, and California) and recommend ways to increase efficiency without reducing water quality protection.

State auditor must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2019 regular session convenes.

Act takes effect July 1, 2050.