HI SB1602

Establishes a Keauhou aquifer system monitoring pilot project under the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Commission on Water Resource Management.

Requires data collection on groundwater levels, water salinity testing, and monitoring of pumping impacts on coastal ecosystems and traditional practices within the Keauhou aquifer system.

Mandates public information meetings, community outreach, and integration of studies into a groundwater management plan for the Keauhou aquifer system.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to submit interim reports to the legislature every six months detailing groundwater levels and water salinity analysis.

Appropriates $200,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 and $200,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund the pilot project, with the department to determine whether to continue, expand, or end the project based on assessment results.