Hawaii Senate Bill SB2689

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/26
• Refer: 1/28/26

Caption

Relating To Stormwater Management Systems.

Impact

The proposed changes would exempt agricultural ponds, which are primarily used for purposes such as irrigation and livestock watering, from the rigorous regulatory framework that governs retention and detention ponds. Additionally, this bill would open the door for low-risk green stormwater infrastructure, such as rain gardens and vegetated swales, to be incorporated into local water management practices without the constraints of formal permitting processes. By defining these infrastructures and classifying them differently, the bill indirectly encourages sustainable land and water management practices across the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 2689 is a legislative initiative aimed at amending the existing regulations pertaining to stormwater management systems as established under section 46-11.7 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. The bill seeks to ensure that agricultural ponds and low-risk green stormwater infrastructure are exempt from these regulations. This exemption is intended to promote the use of environmentally beneficial stormwater management practices while ensuring public safety and welfare, as previously addressed by Act 281, Session Laws of Hawaii 2025.

Contention

Although the bill has potential benefits, it has sparked debates regarding the balance between agricultural needs and environmental protection. Critics may argue that exempting agricultural ponds from certain regulations could lead to insufficient oversight of water quality and ecosystem health, particularly if those ponds inadvertently contribute to pollution or mismanagement of stormwater. Therefore, while the bill aims to incentivize beneficial stormwater practices, legislators will need to consider the implications of reduced regulatory scrutiny on broader environmental management.