SB2856 Summary

• Expands the Hawaii brownfields cleanup revolving loan fund to include environmental site assessments and sampling activities in addition to cleanup activities, aligning with the EPA's closeout agreement from 2012.

• Authorizes the fund to provide grants to eligible public and nonprofit entities for brownfields site assessments, cleanup activities, and site monitoring, in addition to existing low-interest loan authority.

• Establishes seven minimum eligibility criteria for grant applicants, including that applicants did not cause contamination, projects are ready to proceed, cleanup completes within 12 months, and sites have reuse/redevelopment plans with economic viability or community benefit.

• Allows the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to set fees and adopt rules for fund administration and may contract with public or private entities to implement the program.

• Effective July 1, 2050.