Hawaii HB2232 preserves state water quality protections at least as stringent as federal Clean Water Act standards.

Hawaii HB2232 aims to ensure that state water quality, permitting, and aquatic resource protections remain at least as stringent as federal Clean Water Act regulations in effect as of January 1, 2026. The bill mandates the Department of Health to adopt and enforce these protections, including for wetlands, streams, and groundwater. It ensures continuity of protections even if federal regulations are repealed or weakened, and allows the Department to issue notices of violation, administrative orders, and assess penalties.

Hawaii HB2232 preserves state water quality protections at least as stringent as federal Clean Water Act standards.

Hawaii HB2232 aims to ensure that state water quality, permitting, and aquatic resource protections remain at least as stringent as federal Clean Water Act regulations in effect as of January 1, 2026. The bill mandates the Department of Health to adopt and enforce these protections, including for wetlands, streams, and groundwater. It ensures continuity of protections even if federal regulations are repealed or weakened, and allows the Department to issue notices of violation, administrative orders, and assess penalties.