HI HB2147

Amends section 342H-52, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to restore "any federal agency" as entities required to obtain permits from the Director of Health before constructing, operating, modifying, expanding, or closing municipal solid waste landfill units.

Addresses a conflict created by Act 73 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2020) that removed federal agencies from the definition of "person" subject to landfill permit requirements, which contradicts the broader definition of "person" in section 342H-1.

Restores compliance with federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act requirements, which mandate that states adopt and implement permit programs ensuring all solid waste management facilities within the state obtain permits and meet applicable criteria.

Prevents potential loss of Hawaii's approved municipal solid waste landfill permit program, which would otherwise deny counties the ability to use alternative landfill designs or methods suited to local conditions, such as geosynthetic liners instead of soil liners on the island of Hawaii.

Takes effect upon approval.