Hawaii House Bill HB1356

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/27/25

Caption

Relating To Flood Mitigation.

Summary

HB1356 appropriates $500,000 from state general revenues for fiscal year 2025-2026 and another $500,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 to fund a flood mitigation study for Hoaka Road in Hilo, Hawaii. The money is to be administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and the appropriation may be used only if the County of Hawaii provides a dollar-for-dollar match. The bill is narrowly focused on planning and assessment rather than construction or direct flood-control works. Its purpose is to support a study that could inform future mitigation measures for a specific roadway and surrounding area affected by flooding concerns. The measure takes effect on July 1, 2025.

Impact

If enacted, HB1356 would create a new, targeted state appropriation for a local flood mitigation study and direct DLNR to expend the funds. It would not itself amend existing flood-control statutes, but it would add a specific budget item in state law and condition state spending on matching county funds. The practical effect would be to support intergovernmental coordination between the State and the County of Hawaii on flood risk planning for Hoaka Road in Hilo.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, the overall sentiment appears neutral to supportive of addressing a local infrastructure and public safety concern. The bill’s structure suggests an effort to secure state assistance while requiring local financial participation, which may be intended to demonstrate shared responsibility and fiscal discipline. No formal opposition or recorded controversy is available in the provided materials.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is the funding condition: state money is available only if the County of Hawaii matches it dollar-for-dollar, which could be viewed as either a prudent safeguard or a barrier if the county cannot or will not commit funds. Another possible issue is the bill’s narrow geographic scope, since it directs state resources to a single road in Hilo rather than a broader statewide flood mitigation program. No committee debate or vote record is provided to show whether these concerns were raised by specific legislators or stakeholders.