H.B. 2276 Summary

• Appropriates general revenue funds to the Department of Health's Clean Water Branch for fiscal year 2018-2019 to hire environmental health specialist positions for Hawaii Island water quality monitoring

• Establishes duties including acquiring water samples from streams and coastal waters, conducting watershed assessments and surface water tests, investigating complaints, and enforcing surface water regulations

• Addresses inadequate staff capacity to monitor streams and coastal waters for public swimming, fishing, and recreation safety, with particular focus on contaminants from wastewater treatment plants, injection wells, and cesspools that harm coral reefs

• The appropriation amount and number of full-time equivalent positions are left blank in the bill text (to be determined)

• Effective date set for January 28, 2045