HI SCR54

Department of Land and Natural Resources is requested to convene a Desalination Planning Task Force with representatives from the Commission on Water Resource Management, Department of Health, Board of Agriculture, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, legislative committees, and county water departments.

Task Force shall conduct a study on water demand across housing, agriculture, and industrial sectors and examine the feasibility of desalination as a supplemental freshwater source to groundwater and surface water resources.

Task Force must assess whether desalination can meet projected future water needs, improve water system resiliency including impacts from Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility contamination, and be integrated into state water management plans.

Task Force shall evaluate impacts of desalination plant construction on historical sites, Native Hawaiian cultural sites and practices, and address environmental concerns including energy consumption and brine concentrate disposal.

Task Force must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2027 regular session and is requested to dissolve on June 30, 2027.