Video & Transcript : 'regulated waters' :
Page 358 of 500
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Conservation Grant Fund that receives water from a multi-county water conservation district.
- from a multi-county water conservation district.
- water savings and the water supply being conserved.
- Let me... ...water savings and the water supply being conserved.
- We need continued water security. We need continued water security.
Committee:
Senate Natural Resources
Keywords:
water conservation, grants, infrastructure, environmental protection, sustainability, cesspool remediation, cesspool replacement, forgivable principal, forgivable loan, wifa, water infrastructure finance authority, clean water revolving fund, drinking water revolving fund, wastewater infrastructure, on-site wastewater system, septic system, groundwater protection, public health, nonpoint source pollution, county water projects
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (2-25-25) - Upon Adjournment of both Chambers
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:11:30.920><c> piping</c> a waste vent domestic water piping a waste vent domestic water piping
- It is for their water main assessment replacement planning and design, water treatment plant, and Priority
- It is for their water main assessment replacement planning and design, water treatment plant, and Priority
- It is for their water main assessment replacement planning and design, water treatment plant, and Priority
- for and so Kentucky waters stands for Kentucky<00:18:46.280><c> water</c><00:18:46.679><c> and</c><00
Keywords:
00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call
00:30 Approval of Minutes
00:59 Information Items
03:34 Finance and Admin Cabinet
12:31 KY Infrastructure Authority
21:47 Office of Financial Mgmt
23:27 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first handled informational reports on several bond and lease matters, including school district and board of education debt-service items, upcoming revenue bond issues in Henderson and Jessamine counties, and three advertised lease-space requests for state agencies. Members also reviewed prior lease transactions that had not been approved in November and December; the Finance and Administration Cabinet later canceled and rebid the Harlan County lease and moved ahead with the Perry County lease modification. Additional information items included a Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly capital projects report and Eastern Kentucky University asset preservation revisions.
The committee then heard from Deputy State Budget Director Janice Thomas on four action items. She reported a $2.85 million USDA-funded renovation at Kentucky State University’s Betty White Building, a $294,000 increase for the Kentucky School for the Deaf’s Middleton Hall renovation, and a $6.1 million restricted-funds scope increase for the KCTCS Science Building Expansion in Elizabethtown. Members asked about how often the statutory 15% increase authority is used for school dormitory and cottage projects and about the competitiveness of construction bids; Thomas said bids are typically competitive but recent estimates have been difficult because of higher material and equipment costs. The committee approved the three action items unanimously and also received a no-action report on a $3.918 million Corrections project to repair and replace the KCIW kitchen drain line.
Next, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented seven loans and grants, all of which the committee approved unanimously. The package included sewer and water projects for Frankfort, Sturgis, Scottsville, Morganfield, Western Pulaski County Water District, and Springfield, plus an emergency $5.487 million Kentucky Waters grant for Eddyville after a catastrophic sewer plant failure and weather-related emergency declarations. The projects covered wastewater interceptor and treatment upgrades, sewer collection rehabilitation, water transmission main installation, and planning/design work, with loan terms ranging from five to 30 years and interest rates from 0.5% to 2.25%.
Finally, the committee considered a $38.4 million Kentucky Housing Corporation conduit issuance for a 322-unit multifamily rental project in Jefferson County. A member asked how the committee participates in the transaction, and staff explained that it is a conduit issuance and not state debt. The committee then moved to approve the issuance.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Information Technology Oversight Committee (10-8-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- ><c> wastewater</c> basically a water and wastewater basically a water and wastewater database.<00:36
- </c> even geospatial and it's used for water even geospatial and it's used for water and<00:36:51.839
- </c> to have uh portable water. to have uh portable water.
- </c> safe, clean drinking water. safe, clean drinking water.
- contract with rural water.
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00:00
Discussion of the KentuckyWired Network 00:00:55
Discussion of the Water Resource Information System 00:35.40
Discussion of Geographic Information Systems 00:52:30
Discussion of Committee Report to LRC 01:15:05, 958, all
Summary:
The Information Technology Oversight Committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard a presentation from Leadcore representatives Jimmy Bird, Mike Murray, and Rebecca Moss on the Kentucky Wired network. Leadcore described its role as the design-builder and service provider under the KCNA contract, saying the network was built with roughly 13,200 feet of fiber, mostly aerial, and that the use of non-armored cable was a Kentucky-side decision made to reduce cost. They also said aerial construction and non-armored cable increase maintenance challenges, including storm damage and squirrel-related damage, and reported FY25 service activity of 104 break-fix events, 30 maintenance replacements, 64 storm-damage events, and nearly 13,000 feet of fiber replaced to date.
Committee members questioned whether the original project anticipated this level of replacement and whether any forecast existed for maintenance under non-armored cable. Leadcore said it did not do a formal forecast and could not say whether the replacement rate was above or below norms, though it acknowledged the decision not to use armored cable came from the Kentucky side of the contract. Members also asked about whether replacements caused network degradation; Leadcore said it tries to replace cable at existing splice points to avoid degradation and, where needed, uses armored cable for replacement sections going forward.
The committee then explored Leadcore’s relationship with Excel and KCNA. Leadcore said it has a service-level agreement for KCNA-related fibers but not for dark fibers used by Excel, and that Kentucky Wired fibers get priority on service requests. It said outages are reported through a 1-800 number and that it was not aware of any access problems to the huts. On the tech refresh, Leadcore said its understanding is that maintaining the network is its responsibility, but the technology refresh is not; it said only a very limited amount of refresh has occurred and that this did not match the original contract intent. Leadcore also said it had not been asked to defer maintenance. The chair closed by saying the testimony would inform a committee report and that he intended to recommend clawing back or withholding some previously authorized Kentucky Wired and refresh funding until an audit is complete, with the committee to vote on a report later.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill relates to a new water treatment facility and water tower based on the fact that the East Metro
- This bill relates to a new water treatment facility and water tower based on the fact that the East Metro
- </c><00:01:37.040><c> treatment</c> bill relates to a new water treatment bill relates to a new water
- our Woodburry water treatment facility Water<00:01:59.520><c> Tower</c><00:02:00.079><c> and</c><00:
- issue in Woodbury due to the discovery of PFAS in our water system. water for over a decade water water
Committee:
Senate Taxes
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- ,</c><00:18:57.000><c> land</c> um, as you know, without water, land um, as you know, without water,
- </c> water systems including the Kuleia Water water systems including the Kuleia Water Association<00
- </c> don't understand water law in the state. don't understand water law in the state.
- </c> water available by improving the system. water available by improving the system.
- I think water and to the mountains.
Committee:
Senate Economic Development and Tourism
Summary:
The committee heard multiple governor’s messages for confirmation to the Agribusiness Development Corporation board and one appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. For GM 606, David Ige Hinazumi was supported by ADC and DBEDT, with testimony highlighting his private-sector experience, technology background, and ability to help with risk management and finances. He told senators he had attended board meetings since 2018, saw ADC as a state business arm for agriculture, and supported expanding land, facilities, and even aquaculture if resources allowed. Senators asked about ADC’s role relative to the Department of Agriculture, and he said the department’s strength is research/regulatory work while ADC should focus on business development, support, and facilities for farmers and aquaculture businesses.
For GM 607, Jason Watts was strongly supported by ADC leadership, DBEDT, and many agricultural and community groups, with one opposing testimony from Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters praised his governance, accountability, transparency, and frequent communication with the agency. In questioning, Watts said ADC’s top priority should be increasing land holdings, and he discussed ADC’s role in water systems, including preserving agricultural water sources and inventorying systems statewide. He also said ADC could potentially help small farmers comply with environmental permitting through a broader, regional approach if authorized by the Legislature. The committee also heard from Joshua Uyehara for GM 682, who was supported by ADC, county officials, and farm groups. He said his priorities would be accelerating ADC projects, expanding capacity, and possibly using ADC as a center of expertise for water systems and for helping farmers with environmental requirements; he also said biofuel crops and food production can be complementary, though food should be prioritized when water is constrained.
The committee then considered GM 513, Tracy Lester Smith’s appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. The stadium authority and DBEDT supported her, citing her experience in NASCAR, boxing, and Bellator MMA as useful for marketing, attracting events, and commercializing the stadium. Smith said she was eager to serve and would bring experience from both the landlord and tenant perspectives, helping the board think about venue operations, sponsorships, and event attraction. Senators asked about improving public perception and execution, and she emphasized accountability, timelines, and building a venue that can draw major sports and entertainment events. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- And at times, a water district may have to take some action in things.
- In the water master of the Payette Basin who brought this issue before us.
- Water districts are creatures 937.
- And at times, a water district may have to take some action in things.
- Now, for Percy, irrigation districts means water.
Committee:
Senate Resources and Environment
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill would require landlords to notify tenants of nearby water hazards, HF1566 3/18/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> dangerous areas such as bodies of water dangerous areas such as bodies of water busy<00:14:59.680
- They are drowned to water.
- And just naturally, children are drawn to water. Children are drawn to water.
- Um, but with it, I guess I just say definition of water: you could go into, is it water fountains?
- a specific attraction to water.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
WTL Public Hearing 03-07-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Water is the biggest need.
- Water is the biggest need.
- Water is the biggest need.
- I think the biggest infrastructure need above everything else is water. Water is the biggest need.
- c> in</c> um solve the water situation water uh in um solve the water situation water uh in the<00:43
Summary:
The Committee on Water and Land opened with housekeeping remarks about testimony limits, video availability, and that decision-making would follow the hearing. The committee then heard and considered several SCRs authorizing long-term nonexclusive easements over state submerged lands for existing public or private infrastructure on Oahu, including stormwater outfalls, shoreline protection structures, concrete stairs, seawalls, and a rock revetment. DLNR supported each measure and generally requested only technical or clarifying amendments; for SCR 3, DLNR asked that the title be clarified to specify the easement would be granted to the City and County of Honolulu. After discussion, the committee adopted the chair’s recommendations, passing SCR 3 with amendments and SCRs 4, 6, and 7 unamended, while SCR 5 was passed with technical, non-substantive amendments. Senator Meli noted general concerns about seawalls and hardening but said he would support the measures because they involved repair of existing structures and public access, though he indicated a reservation on SCR 6.
The committee then took up governor’s messages for HCDA appointments. For GM 58, Gerald Gordner was nominated to the Kalaeloa district seat; HCDA’s executive director and another supporter praised his urban planning, housing, zoning, GIS, and collaborative skills, and Gordner described his interim service and background in housing affordability and disaster recovery. Members also discussed a former military hangar in Kalaeloa and possible future uses, with Gordner noting he understood there had been restrictions that were later lifted, while the chair raised concerns about airport operations and modular housing use. The committee also heard support for GM 559, nominating Micki Lidstone as cultural specialist; HCDA said she had been an active and reliable board participant and cultural resource, and Lidstone said she valued learning from Native Hawaiian testimony and helping balance community perspectives. Finally, GM 688 nominated Deborah Kabibi to the Leeward Oahu/Maui district seat; HCDA said her community ties would be valuable for South Maui planning, and Kabibi said she had learned a lot from the board’s collaborative process and was eager to represent her community. The transcript ends during discussion of GM 688, before any vote on the nominations is shown.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-06-02 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Does it make sure water is clean, drinking water? I don't understand.
- quality and water supply.
- and water supply.
- So water management, water quality, water cleanliness is not just an issue of politics; it is an issue
- If anyone in here knows about water, water management, it's you.
Summary:
The House took up the special order calendar for a proposed constitutional amendment on property taxes, CS/HJR 1F, which would create a new homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property, and restrict how counties and municipalities may use ad valorem tax revenue. The sponsor, Rep. Overdorf, said the measure would give homeowners tax relief and argued local governments could adjust spending or use other revenue sources. Opponents repeatedly questioned the ballot language, the lack of a fiscal estimate or backfill, and the potential impact on local services, public safety, and debt obligations. The House adopted the special order report and then debated the resolution and a series of amendments.
Several amendments were offered to carve out or protect specific services from the tax changes. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to protect Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was supported by members who said those entities fund early learning, mental health, aftercare, and other services for children and working families, but it failed 25-74. Rep. Cross offered an amendment to include water management districts in allowable ad valorem uses, warning of impacts on flood control, water quality, Everglades restoration, and water supply; that amendment also failed. Rep. Eskamani offered an amendment requiring the Legislature to backfill public safety funding if local revenues fall, arguing police and fire services, staffing, and response times would be at risk; it failed 25-71.
The chamber then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other local senior programs, and opponents saying the proposal was outside the bill’s scope. Finally, Rep. Gant offered an amendment to protect veteran services, saying local governments fund housing, mental health, transition, and family support programs for veterans; debate emphasized the importance of honoring veterans and avoiding cuts to those services. The transcript cuts off during debate on that amendment, before a final vote is shown.
ID
Idaho 2026 Regular Session
Agenda Jan 14th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And at times, a water district may have to take some action in things.
- Water districts are creatures 937.
- And at times, a water district may have to take some action in things.
- Now, for Percy, irrigation districts means water.
- For us, it means a specific Now, for Percy, irrigation districts means water.
Summary:
The committee began with a brief introduction of Dr. Ryan Tarver, a new postdoctoral researcher with a Ph.D. in environmental and society, and then introduced page Marley Johnson of Eagle High School, who said she plans to attend commercial flight school after graduation. Senator O’Connor noted his role on the Transportation Committee and invited her to coordinate if she is interested in airport-related tours or activities.
The committee then considered three water-related RS measures. Senator Anthon presented RS 32-962, a follow-up to last year’s domestic well exemption legislation, explaining that implementation raised questions about subdivisions already in progress before the enactment date; the committee voted to introduce it. Paul Arrington of the Idaho Water Users Association presented RS 32-937, which would let water district patrons adopt a resolution to charge certain property-specific costs directly to the affected property rather than spreading them across all users; the committee voted to send it to print. Arrington also presented RS 32-938, which would change PERSI-related language from “irrigation districts” to “irrigation and drainage entities” to better match how the retirement system applies the law; the committee voted to introduce it.
No testimony opposed the measures, and all three RS items were approved by voice vote. The committee then concluded its business and adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Williamson County Water Plant supplies treated water to the city of Taylor and Jonah Water Special Utility
- Red Bluff Water District.
- We're injecting treated drinking water, standard water, through the aquifer, and that danger is not present
- The Water Development Board is responsible for developing both the state water plan and the state flood
- This bill provides a straightforward solution: amend the water code to exempt TWDB's water and flooding
Committee:
House Natural Resources
Keywords:
water infrastructure, Texas Water Development Board, financial assistance, water supply projects, rural municipalities, water access assessment, aquifer storage, Edwards Aquifer, water injection, environmental regulations, groundwater management, San Antonio River, pollution control, flood management, water quality, conservation district, bonds, utility rates, ratemaking, water services
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- They also informed me that it is a water district's bond council, not the water district itself that
- So we're the Texas Rural Water Association.
- With over 750 water district members.
- Water districts are small entities by design.
- Water control improvement districts, underwater, uh, water conservation districts, freshwater supply
Committee:
House Natural Resources
Keywords:
HB 279, uranium mining, uranium permit, production area authorization, production zone, Texas Water Code, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, contested case hearing, administrative hearing, groundwater restoration, groundwater baseline, water quality, mining permit, restoration values, natural resources, environmental regulation, in-situ uranium mining, permit amendment, public hearing
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Financial Services Jan 13th, 2026
Joint Committee on Financial Services
Transcript Highlights:
- If you don't have water, you're not going to get very far.
- dependent on alternate water sources.
- , and access issues, cisterns offer a year-round water supply.
- The town of West Hampton has no municipal water supply and relies solely on a mobile water supply for
- You mentioned communities with no municipal water supply.
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Financial Services
Keywords:
healthcare, direct primary care, insurance, referrals, network providers, payment denial, insurance costs, manufactured homes, homeowners insurance, affordability, state regulations, insurance market, consumer protection, mobile homes, firefighting, water supply, cistern program, rural areas, urban interface, state funding
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee Jul 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- In 2023, water restrictions left Kalinga short of 600 acre-feet of water.
- In my home community of Delano, we have faced severe water quality issues.
- Water is the lifeblood.
- I'm the Executive Director for the Delta View Water Association.
- When water was released, a few short days after, When water was released, a few short days after, birds
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several natural resources and water-related bills. SB 224 by Senator Hurtado would require the Department of Water Resources to implement audit recommendations, improve climate-informed water supply forecasting, and provide annual updates to the Legislature; supporters emphasized the need for better transparency and more accurate water planning, and the bill passed as amended to Appropriations. SB 556, also by Senator Hurtado, would fund floodplain restoration in the Tulare Basin to reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, and provide habitat and other community benefits; local officials and conservation groups supported it, some initial concerns about Proposition 4 were resolved, and the bill passed as amended. SB 630 by Senator Allen would streamline State Parks and other state real property acquisitions by raising review thresholds and reducing duplicative approvals; conservation groups and park advocates supported the measure, while some members raised oversight and fiscal concerns, and it passed as amended. SB 718 by Senator Allen would reduce hunting and fishing license costs for low-income Californians, framed as helping subsistence users and disabled veterans and seniors, and it passed as amended.
The committee also approved SB 427 by Senator Blakespear, which extends the sunset of the Habitat Conservation Fund from 2030 to 2035. Supporters said the fund has protected more than 1.2 million acres, leverages other funding, and supports habitat, recreation, and climate resilience; members highlighted its importance for areas like the Salton Sea and the need to protect the funding stream from future sweeps. SB 586 by Senator Jones, an e-moto off-highway vehicle bill, was taken up with little discussion and passed as amended. SB 639 by Senator Ashby would extend the deadline for Sacramento-area flood protection projects in the Natomas Basin and Beach Lake subareas from 2025 to 2030 to allow completion of remaining work and avoid delays to infill housing; city, county, and flood agency representatives supported it, and it passed as amended.
Throughout the hearing, witnesses and members repeatedly emphasized water reliability, flood protection, conservation funding, and reducing bureaucratic delays. Several bills drew broad support from local governments, water agencies, tribes, and conservation organizations, and multiple members requested to be added as coauthors. All of the measures discussed were reported out of committee, generally with amendments and with some items left open for add-on votes.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
EIG-EDT, EIG Public Hearings 02-11-2025
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- chair members ER Water Supply afternoon chair members ER Water Supply Center<00:05:48.520><c> support
- How many does the Board of Water Supply have in this area?
- </c> future how many does the Board of Water future how many does the Board of Water Supply<00:12:09.120
- </c> differences in the height of the water differences in the height of the water table<00:15:28.040
- </c> relating to Water relating to Water Resources<00:20:07.480><c> um</c><00:20:08.120><c> having</c
Committee:
Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Summary:
The joint committees on Energy, Intergovernmental Affairs, and Economic Development and Tourism met on February 11, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures. Senate Bill 1338, relating to long-duration clean energy storage, received support from the Energy Office, DEED, HTDC, and the gas company. With no opposition or questions, the committees recommended passage with technical, non-substantive amendments and a deferred effective date of 5/13/2040.
The committees then heard Senate Bill 233 on climate resilience, which drew support from the Hawaii State Community Office and other testifiers. SB 492, relating to the general excise tax, had mixed testimony, with support from DHHL, the Office of Planning, county representatives, and others, and opposition from the Grassroots Institute and another testifier. The chair explained that SB 492 would be amended to remove language that would prevent DHHL from benefiting, along with technical amendments and the same deferred date of 5/13/2040.
For Senate Bill 1634, relating to water resources, the Board of Water Supply testified in support and urged expanding the bill from two to six monitoring wells, citing Red Hill contamination concerns, PFAS detections in Halawa Shaft, and the need for a broader monitoring grid to track groundwater movement. Members discussed the connected aquifers and the need for more data. The committee recommended passage of SB 1634 with amendments to allow funding for six monitoring wells, include a sentinel monitoring system, and make technical, non-substantive changes. The committee also voted to pass SB 233 unamended, and all recommendations were adopted by the members present.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-06-02 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- quality and water supply.
- So water management, water quality, water cleanliness is not just an issue of politics; it is an issue
- So water management, water quality, water cleanliness is not just an issue of politics; it is an issue
- So water management, water quality, water cleanliness is not just an issue of politics; it is an issue
- Cross, if anyone in here knows about water, water management, it's you.
Summary:
The House met in special session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journal, and adopted the special order report setting the day’s calendar. The chamber then took up CS/House Joint Resolution 1F, the Governor’s property tax proposal, which would raise the homestead exemption for non-school taxes, lower the annual assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and restrict county and municipal ad valorem revenue to public safety and certain other uses. Sponsor Rep. Overdorf said the measure would return money to homeowners and give local governments flexibility, while opponents repeatedly argued the ballot language was misleading and that the proposal could create large local revenue shortfalls, shift costs to other taxpayers, and threaten local services and debt obligations.
Members debated a series of amendments aimed at protecting specific programs from the bill’s effects. Rep. Bartleman’s amendment to exempt Children’s Services Councils and Children’s Trusts was defeated 25-74 after supporters said those entities fund child care, mental health, aftercare, and family support, while opponents said local governments could still choose to fund them. Rep. Cross’s amendment to include water management districts in allowable uses of ad valorem taxes was also defeated, despite testimony that the districts are essential for flood control, water supply, Everglades restoration, and drought response. Rep. Eskamani’s amendment to require the Legislature to backfill public safety funding failed 25-71 after debate over whether the proposal could reduce police and fire budgets and response times.
The House then rejected Rep. Woodson’s amendment to require state backfill for senior services, with supporters citing Meals on Wheels, transportation, adult day care, and other aging services, and opponents saying the state already funds senior programs. Finally, Rep. Gant’s amendment to protect veteran services was introduced and debated, with members emphasizing housing, mental health, transition assistance, and homelessness concerns for veterans; the transcript cuts off before the vote on that amendment. Throughout the debate, sponsors and supporters of the main resolution maintained that local governments would retain spending discretion and could use other revenue sources, while critics argued the measure lacked clear backfill provisions and could force cuts or tax shifts at the local level.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> over 30 years focusing on um water over 30 years focusing on um water issues<00:05:22.479><c> and
- </c> quantity of our Water quantity of our Water Resources<00:13:44.000><c> subdivision</c><00:13:44.639
- But, you know, the impact of flooding, especially with water and clean drinking water, what it does to
- </c> districts uh it's called the water districts uh it's called the water quality<00:30:33.679><c> 3D
- </c> he certainly wants you know clean water he certainly wants you know clean water as<00:51:26.240>
Committee:
Senate Finance
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
HWN-EIG, HWN, HWN-HOU, HOU DEFER Public Hearings 02-04-2025
Hawaiian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> other water other water customers<00:03:10.120><c> and</c><00:03:10.560><c> uh</c><00:03:10.760>
- </c> through water tanks to through water through water tanks to through water treatment<00:06:09.280
- </c><00:06:18.919><c> drinking</c><00:06:19.479><c> water</c> actually providing water drinking water
- actually providing water drinking water meeting<00:06:20.759><c> all</c><00:06:20.960><c> federal</c
- </c><00:48:40.280><c> Resource</c> the commission on Water Resource the commission on Water Resource
Committee:
Senate Hawaiian Affairs
Summary:
The joint hearing focused primarily on Senate Bill 1409, which would cap county user fees charged to Department of Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiaries. Department of Hawaiian Home Lands supported the measure, arguing it would reduce monthly housing-related costs for lower-income beneficiaries and help make homesteading more affordable. Several testifiers, including the Tax Foundation of Hawaii and some individuals, also submitted comments or support. County and city water and sewer agencies, including the County of Kauai Department of Water, the City and County of Honolulu Department of Facility Maintenance, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, and the City and County Department of Environmental Services, strongly opposed the bill, saying it would shift substantial costs to other ratepayers, create lost revenue, and could force fee increases for everyone else. They also raised concerns about the bill’s cap structure and potential misuse, while noting their systems are funded by user fees rather than taxes.
During committee discussion, Honolulu Board of Water Supply officials estimated about 4,500 DHHL customers on Oʻahu and projected lost revenue of roughly $30 million to $36 million over five years, with larger cumulative impacts over time; they said any waiver would be absorbed by other customers. The County of Hawaiʻi representative estimated nearly 2,000 DHHL customers on the Big Island and about $2.4 million in annual lost revenue. DHHL responded that it is pursuing revenue-generating projects on unused lands, but members questioned whether the department should do more to generate its own revenue and suggested looking at other affordability mechanisms, including market rent on commercial properties or a similar cap on other beneficiary fees. After hearing the testimony and discussion, the committee chair announced the recommendation to defer SB 1409 indefinitely, and the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs agreed with that decision.
The hearing then moved to Senate Bill 1408, a housekeeping measure. DHHL testified in support, saying the bill was part of an effort to lower housing costs through a modular manufacturing approach. DHHL described plans to use an unused hangar at Kalaeloa for a potential modular housing manufacturing plant, including discussions with the University of Hawaiʻi and a Denver-based company, and said it was also exploring a pilot project with Habitat for Humanity on Maui. No vote or final action on SB 1408 was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- The water is pristine.
- The water is pristine.
- And how much is the water having to put with it, Central Water?
- If you're that concerned about sediment and water quality and water control, have you ever put money
- But when we're protecting water, not just my drinking water—and this is my drinking water now—but also
Committee:
All ALC-PEER
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Sep 9th, 2025
New Mexico Finance Authority Oversight Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- It was really created in the likeness of the Water Trust Board.
- Very similar to the Water Trust Board process.
- So I'm covering water conservation districts. I also cover school districts.
- Put it on par with then the PPRF and the Water Trust Board.
- In the near history, that's my Water Trust Board update.