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HI HB2232
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/28/2026
Primary Sponsor
Mahina Poepoe
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates a new Hawaii state chapter to preserve federal Clean Water Act protections at the level in effect as of January 1, 2026, regardless of any subsequent federal rollbacks or amendments
- Applies protections to all state waters including wetlands, perennial/intermittent/ephemeral streams, groundwater, aquifers, and hydrologically connected waters—broader than federal jurisdiction
- Authorizes the Department of Health to administer, implement, and enforce water quality standards, permitting requirements, and aquatic resource protections through compliance monitoring, enforcement actions, and civil penalties
- Establishes the state's authority as independent from federal delegation or approval, based on Hawaii's constitutional public trust responsibilities to conserve water resources
- Requires the Department of Health to adopt administrative rules and request necessary appropriations to carry out statewide responsibilities under the new chapter
Legislative Description
Relating To Clean Water.
Clean Water Act
Last Action
The committee(s) on EEP recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.
2/5/2026
Committee Referrals
Energy & Environmental Protection1/30/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available