Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the director of Forestier Club's Green Canyon chapter, and happy to be here today.
• track record that in 2022, when this body, when this state decided it was time to write the next chapter
• track record that in 2022, when this body, when this state decided it was time to write the next chapter
• Madam Chair and members, Sandy Bahr, director of Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter, and we are opposed
• Sandy Bahr, director of Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter, and we are opposed to this bill.

Bills: HB2024, HB2053, HB2097, HB2116, HB2117

Keywords: stormwater, recharge mapping, water resources, groundwater, appropriation, Arizona, irrigation, non-expansion areas, water management, agriculture, HB2116, Colorado River, litigation fund, water rights, Arizona water law, general fund appropriation, state budget, interstate water compact, Colorado River Compact, water litigation

Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then heard House Bill 2024, which would expand the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority’s water supply development definition to include snowpack augmentation and related planning and facility work. Supporters argued cloud seeding and drone-based silver iodide deployment could increase snowpack and water supply at relatively low cost, while opponents raised concerns about weather modification, uncertainty in the science, and possible environmental or health effects. After debate, the committee approved HB 2024 on a 6-4 vote, with some members expressing reservations and requesting more information before floor consideration. The committee next considered House Bill 2053, which would direct the Arizona Department of Water Resources to update stormwater recharge mapping statewide and provide $100,000 for the work. The sponsor and ADWR said the bill would expand on prior state-land mapping and help identify recharge opportunities on private land; ADWR was neutral and said it could do the technical mapping but could not make legal determinations about appropriable surface water rights. Salt River Project opposed the bill’s language on surface-water rights, arguing that determinations about unappropriated water belong to the courts and that site-specific recharge projects could affect downstream rights. The committee adopted the Griffin amendment and then passed HB 2053 as amended on a 6-4 vote. Chelsea McGuire of WIFA then gave a broad presentation on the agency’s revolving funds, conservation grants, and long-term augmentation efforts, describing past investments, current grant awards, and seven potential augmentation projects under development. She said WIFA’s current budget ask was essentially for no additional cuts, while members asked about costs, project qualifications, and public-private structure. The committee then took up House Bill 2097, which would impose a six acre-feet-per-acre groundwater pumping cap in irrigation non-expansion areas, add reporting and well-measurement requirements, and set a $150 penalty for violations. ADWR said the bill could require additional staffing and that the cap and substitution provisions had technical concerns; environmental groups argued the cap was too high and could still encourage overpumping, while supporters said it would finally place a limit on INA pumping. HB 2097 passed 6-4. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2116, which would appropriate $1 million to the Colorado River Litigation Fund; the sponsor described it as a contingency for ongoing Colorado River negotiations, and the committee moved the bill forward after brief discussion.

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9ZyVj56704, 2026-07-02T01:23:23+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:25 - SB 781 02:53 - DM JDC-HWN 9:15 AM 05:02 - SB 1320 07:09 - SB 1514 08:03 - SB 544 12:57 - SB 691 22:10 - SB 1028 31:18 - SB 1310 35:00 - SB 1319 45:24 - SB 1545 53:55 - DM JDC 9:25 AM Hearing Notices: JDC-HWN 9:15 AM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2025/hearingnotices/HEARING_JDC-HWN_02-07-25_.PDF JDC 9:25 AM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2025/hearingnotices/HEARING_JDC_02-07-25_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__ydf959P9s, 2026-07-02T01:22:53+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAL_04-11-24_.PDF 10:37 - Introduction 11:10 - SCR3 SD1 11:42 - SCR6 SD1 12:18 - SCR46 SD1 12:47 - SC67 13:28 - SCR70 SD1 14:05 - SCR99 16:04 - SCR104 SD1 16:52 - SC122 SD1 17:21 - SCR123 SD1 36:06 - SCR131 SD1 44:54 - SCR181 SD1 45:31 - SCR182 SD1 46:00 - SCR186 46:34 - SCR203 SD1 47:28 - SCR215 SD1 48:10 - SCR219 SD1 48:58 - HR 77 Proposed HD1 52:02 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dulO23KSUWY, 2026-07-02T01:23:18+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 0:40 - TCA DEFER 3:05 PM 7:45 - HB 1936 HD2 9:25 - HB 2015 HD1 10:10 - SCR 180 / SCR 155 10:38 - DM TCA 3:00 PM 13:10 - SCR 139 / SR 120 14:10 - SCR 85 / SR 71 16:10 - SCR 165 / SR 139 16:26 - SCR 99 Hearing Notices: TCA 3:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_TCA_03-21-24_.pdf TCA DEFER 3:05 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_TCA_03-21-24_DEFER_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5miV6Eq41Zc, 2026-07-02T01:23:17+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 1:00 - HB 1784 HD1 3:20 - HB 2489 HD1 20:50 - HB 2373 HD1 21:36 - HB 2374 HD1 23:07 - HB 2655 HD1 23:47 - HB 1556 HD2 26:35 - HB 1640 HD1 35:00 - HB 1944 HD2 36:30 - HB 2463 HD2 41:52 - HB 2382 HD1 42:30 - HB 2343 HD1 43:45 - DM LBT 3:00 PM Hearing Notice: LBT 3:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_LBT_03-13-24_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYFZxrvpkMk, 2026-07-02T01:23:16+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - start 02:18 - GM 541 02:55 - GM 542 06:01 - GM 543 07:33 - GM 544 10:01 - GM 545 12:01 - GM 555 15:54 - GM 560 16:57 - GM 561 17:45 - GM 562 18:30 - GM 563 19:04 - GM 564 20:07 - GM 565 20:52 - GM 566 22:59 - HHS 1:00 PM cont. Hearing Notice: HHS 1:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_HHS_02-28-24_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8lIuZDwL8M, 2026-07-02T01:23:15+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 0:30 - SB 2859 4:30 - SB 3326 31:50 - SB 3258 47:00 - DM CPN-WTL 9:30 AM 53:30 - SB 2100 54:30 - SB 2309 59:00 - SB 2572 1:04:45 - SB 2897 1:06:05 - DM CPN-LBT 9:35 AM Hearing Notices: CPN-WTL 9:30 AM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPN-WTL_02-15-24_.PDF CPN-LBT 9:35 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPN-LBT_02-15-24_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_5E1jGs3bw, 2026-07-02T01:23:15+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 0:45 - SB 3123 1:30 - SB 263 4:20 - DM HWN-HHS 1:00 PM 7:10 - DM HWN-WTL DEFER 1:01 PM 10:50 - DM HWN 1:02 PM Hearing Notices: HWN-HHS 1:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_HWN-HHS_02-13-24_.PDF HWN-WTL DEFER 1:01 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_HWN-WTL_02-13-24_DEFER_.PDF HWN 1:02 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_HWN_02-13-24_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pfYrIg-ZS8, 2026-07-02T01:23:14+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 1:46 - SB 3157 15:20 - SB 2151 16:50 - SB 2152 18:20 - SB 2153 19:00 - SB 2035 20:40 - SB 2175 25:50 - SB 2204 34:00 - SB 2129 53:15 - SB 2835 56:00 - SB 2300 59:45 - SB 3154 1:01:20 - SB 2756 1:16:19 - SB 2176 1:25:44 - DM WTL 1:00 PM Hearing Notice: WTL 1:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_WTL_02-07-24_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_deRsziJVSI, 2026-07-02T01:22:49+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_TRN_02-06-24_.PDF 12:46 - Introduction 13:06 - Decision Making for HB 2267 & HB 1539 15:43 - HB 2491 16:49 - HB 2492 18:52 - HB 2493 19:58 - HB 1783 20:37 - HB 2116 21:08 - HB 1562 29:23 - HB 2446 30:52 - HB 2643 44:34 - HB 1934 49:46 - HB 1933 1:04:50 - HB 1594 1:10:26 - HB 1935 1:45:12 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtvAD_3faQU, 2026-07-02T01:23:14+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 1:40 - SB 2654 3:10 - SB 2779 10:00 - SB 3110 11:00 - SB 3213 12:20 - DM HWN-HOU 1:00 PM 18:40 - SB 3336 19:35 - SB 3308 20:20 - SB 3363 23:15 - SB 2397 39:45 - DM HWN 1:01 PM Hearing Notices: HWN-HOU 1:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_HWN-HOU_02-06-24_.PDF HWN 1:01 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_HWN_02-06-24_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MqPhpp1dlk, 2026-07-02T01:22:49+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/Session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_EDN_01-30-24_.PDF 11:31 - Introduction 11:45 - HB 1648 29:12 - HB 1649 37:33 - HB 2774 43:23 - HB 2620 53:43 - HB 1969 59:28 - HB 1651 1:25:34 - HB 2043 1:34:09 - HB 1653 1:50:03 - HB 1614 1:56:51 - HB 1654 2:11:09 - HB 1537 2:34:32 - HB 2402 2:35:30 - HB 2403 2:40:58 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0GI3zFQ-AU, 2026-07-02T01:23:09+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 01:25 - HB 406, HD2 07:37 - DM HHS-PSM 1:00 PM 10:21 - HB 233, HD2 18:39 - HB 350, HD2 20:47 - HB 1156, HD2 25:10 - HB 1340, HD2 34:21 - HB 1217, HD2 52:45 - DM HHS 1:01 PM Hearing Notices: HHS-PSM 1:00 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HHS-PSM_03-22-23_.pdf HHS 1:01 PM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HHS_03-22-23_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L--1iYsaCkM, 2026-07-02T01:23:08+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 01:45 - 1255, HD1 05:29 - DM 1255, HD1 07:00 - HB 872, HD1 09:13 - HB 1356, HD1 12:57 - HB 1357, HD1 19:00 - HB 485, HD3 23:12 - HB 1296, HD1 24:55 - HB 948, HD2 29:09 - HB 1366, HD1 34:55 - HB 546, HD1 36:01 - HB 907, HD2 42:36 - HB 1245, HD1 46:15 - DM HHS 1:00 PM Hearing Notice: HHS 1:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_HHS_03-15-23_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_53WcTqJ65I, 2026-06-21T07:17:03+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:53 HB 172 Discussion: 00:01:33 HB 172 Roll Call Vote: 00:03:30 SB 47 Discussion: 00:04:58 SB 47 Roll Call Vote: 00:22:44 HB 287 Discussion: 00:37:45 HB 287 Roll Call Vote: 00:38:44 HB 594 Discussion: 00:39:31 HB 594 Roll Call Vote: 01:03:05 HB 237 Discussion: 01:06:17 HB 237 Roll Call Vote: 01:08:58, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqr2CrrSYiY, 2026-07-02T01:23:07+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:50 - GM 501 45:43 - GM 525 01:05:09 - DM AEN 1:05 PM 01:07:27 - HB 307 HD 1 01:09:34 - HB 606 HD 1 01:14:57 - HB 607 HD 2 01:21:08 - HB 698 HD 2 01:31:18 DM AEN 1:15 PM Hearing Notices: AEN 1:05 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_AEN_03-13-23_.PDF AEN 1:15 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_AEN_03-13-23-1_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upaaet_E8eQ, 2026-07-02T01:23:07+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:30 - DM WAM DEFER 10:30 AM 07:18 - SB 142 08:21 - SB 176 08:51 - SB 303 14:31 - SB 1021 14:57 - SB 1437 15:45 - SB 1469 21:25 - HB 1514, HD1 22:32 - SB 142 24:25 - DM WAM 10:35 AM Hearing Notices: WAM DEFER 10:30 AM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAM_02-27-23_DEFER_.PDF WAM 10:35 AM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAM_02-27-23_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Dof5N92Kjk, 2026-07-02T01:23:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 02:05 - SB 284 17:34 - SB 20 22:02 - DM LBT-GVO 3:00 PM 29:37 - SB 1311 33:45 - SB 1312 44:48 - SB 1385 51:26 - SB 460 01:02:53 - SB 1115 01:11:34 - SB 460 01:14:11 - DM LBT 3:10 PM Hearing Notices: LBT-GVO 3:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_LBT-GVO_02-15-23_.PDF LBT 3:10 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_LBT_02-15-23_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hPqIAkEHqU, 2026-07-02T01:23:05+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 00:59 - DM PSM 3:00 PM 03:45 - SB 1481 06:06 - SB 366 06:32 - SB 374 07:31 - SB 116 10:23 - SB 117 10:54 - SB 1090 11:34 - SB 498 23:46 - SB 1082 30:35 - DM PSM-TCA 3:00 PM Hearing Notices: PSM 3:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_PSM_02-08-23_DM_.PDF PSM-TCA 3:00 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2023/hearingnotices/HEARING_PSM-TCA_02-08-23_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI House YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUBZfcg_IBk, 2026-07-02T01:22:39+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, House Agenda: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2022/hearingnotices/HEARING_HSG_03-22-22_.pdf 0:04 - Introduction 0:49 - SB 2588, SD1 (SSCR2859) 3:11 - SB 2677, SD1 (SSCR3090) 4:43 - SB 2002, SD2 (SSCR2944) 5:43 - SB 2812, SD2 (SSCR3172) 8:07 - SB 449 (SSCR2050) 8:56 - SB 2165, SD1 (SSCR2956) 12:45 - SB 3048, SD2 (SSCR3138) 13:27 - HCR 108 / HR 104 16:28 - HCR 126 / HR 126 17:13 - HCR 95 / HR 89 17:43 - HCR 170 / HR 170 18:38 - Decision Making, 910, house, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47