HB 1902 Summary

• Amends Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation exemptions to require that proposed housing projects do not impact wetlands or natural stormwater infrastructure as defined in statute.

• Adds three new definitions to environmental law: "floodway" (channel of river/stream including adjacent floodplain areas), "natural stormwater infrastructure" (naturally-occurring streams, ephemeral streams, gulches, drainage corridors, wetlands, floodways, and water collection/drainage areas), and comprehensive "wetlands" definition encompassing transitional lands between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems with multiple classifications (marine, estuarine, lacustrine, riverine, palustrine, human-made) and functional criteria.

• Requires environmental assessment for any development that would impact wetlands or natural stormwater infrastructure under Hawaii's environmental impact statement law.

• Establishes ahupuaa-based protection of wetlands and connected watersheds as natural stormwater infrastructure.

• Takes effect upon approval.