H.B. 2148 Summary

• Adds wetlands to the definition of "state waters" in Hawaii's water pollution control statute to align with federal Clean Water Act and existing state water quality standards.

• Increases maximum civil penalty for water pollution violations from $25,000 to $56,460 per offense to match federal penalty amounts.

• Increases penalty for obstructing or denying inspector access from $10,000 to $25,000 per day.

• Consolidates water quality certification requirements in statute and clarifies the director of health's authority as a certifying agency under federal section 401 of the Clean Water Act.

• Exempts persons with authorization from the Department of Land and Natural Resources for loko i'a (Hawaiian fishpond) restoration and small-scale beach restoration from requiring water quality certification.