HI HR146

Request Governor to establish a working group to explore the Ala Wai Canal Flood Risk Management Project, which received approximately $345,000,000 in federal appropriations in July 2018 and requires $125,000,000 in local matching funds.

Working group shall facilitate public meetings, record and compile community concerns, and develop design options addressing concerns including impacts on schools, cultural institutions, private property owners, and ecosystem preservation.

Working group composition shall include representatives from USACE, Governor's administration, Hawaii State Senate and House, Honolulu Mayor and City Council, University of Hawaii researchers, and other invited parties.

Ala Wai Watershed encompasses approximately 19 square miles draining into a two-mile-long canal constructed in the 1920s; a 100-year flood event could damage 3,000 structures and require over $1,000,000,000 in repairs.

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