HI HCR163

Request Governor to establish a working group to address the Ala Wai Canal Flood Risk Management Project in Honolulu, which covers approximately 19 square miles and includes three major streams draining into a 2-mile canal constructed in the 1920s.

Working group to facilitate public meetings, record community concerns, and develop design options addressing impacts on schools, cultural institutions, private property owners, and ecosystem preservation, including consideration of floodable development alternatives to hard structures.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers received $345,000,000 in federal appropriations in July 2018 for the project, which requires $125,000,000 in local matching funds and a local government sponsor to proceed.

Working group membership to include representatives from USACE, Governor's administration, Hawaii State Legislature, Honolulu City administration, University of Hawaii researchers, and other invited parties.

Working group must submit findings and recommendations to Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2020 Regular Session convenes.