HI HB2732

Establishes the Puako Shore Waters Study Group within the Department of Health to develop a pilot program addressing wastewater, cesspool, and shore water contamination in Puako, Hawaii County.

Study group shall consist of the Director of Health, Senate Commerce Committee chair, House Health Committee chair, Hawaii County Mayor or designee, Coral Alliance representative, and Puako Community Association representative.

Department of Health shall provide research, clerical, and technical support to the study group, which shall elect its own chair and members shall be reimbursed for expenses but not compensated.

Study group must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2019 regular legislative session and shall cease to exist on January 1, 2019.

Addresses the decline of Hawaii's coral reefs, which contribute approximately $800,000,000 annually to the state economy; coral coverage at Puako has decreased 35 percent over the last thirty years.