HI SR68

Department of Health requested to prioritize enforcement of water pollution control regulations with penalties in rural areas with existing reports of runoff, particularly on Molokai

Resolution cites climate change-driven extreme rainfall increasing groundwater pollution with silt, debris, and other pollutants that wash into coastal areas and damage marine reefs

Molokai's southern reef, identified as the longest continuous fringing reef in the United States, has suffered extensive damage from runoff pollution in recent years

Department of Health must submit a report of findings, recommendations, actions taken, progress made, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 30 days prior to the 2023 Regular Session

Enforcement efforts should focus on areas where large landowners use land for activities that destabilize soil, contributing to water pollution