HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunication No. 2025-09 Testimony in Support of SB1602 SD1 RELATING TO THE KEAUHOU AQUIFER SYSTEMMarch 14, 2025
The Honorable Nicole E. Lowen, Chair
House Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection
The Honorable Mark J. Hashem, Chair
House Committee on Water & Land
Hawaii State Capitol, Conference Room 325
415 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, Hawai’i 96813
RE: Testimony in Support of SB1602 SD1 RELATING TO THE KEAUHOU AQUIFER SYSTEM.
Dear Chair Lowen, Chair Hashem, and Members of the Committees,
I am Charles Young, chair of the Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee.
On March 11, 2025, the Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee voted
unanimously to support SB 1602, which appropriates funds to the Department of Land and
Natural Resources (DLNR) to install two monitoring wells in the Keauhou Aquifer System. It also
establishes the Keauhou Aquifer System Monitoring Program and requires reports to the
Legislature, detailing groundwater levels and water quality analysis in the Keauhou aquifer
system.
The public trust doctrine described by the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court as, “the right of the people to
have the waters protected for their use [which] demands adequate provision for traditional and
customary Hawaiian rights, wildlife, maintenance of ecological balance and scenic beauty, and
the preservation and enhancement of the waters” (HRS 174C-2), aims to protect ecological,
cultural, and social uses of waters.
Much of the Keauhou aquifer system is located underneath the Kona Urban Growth Area (UGA)
by the County General Plan and the Kona Community Development Plan. This land is envisioned
for future urban growth and infrastructure development. At the same time, the Keauhou
Aquifer System is a vital water source that sustains local ecosystems and cultural practices.
Therefore, achieving the balance between high density development and resource sustainability
is critical. The Kona Community Development Plan Action Committee supports SB1602, which
proposes to create a Keauhou aquifer system monitoring pilot program to enhance our ability to
sustainably manage groundwater use within the Keauhou aquifer system.
Respectively,
Charles Young, Charles Young (Mar 14, 2025 12:15 HST)
Testimony in Support of SB1602 SD1
RELATING TO THE KEAUHOU AQUIFER
SYSTEM
Final Audit Report 2025-03-14
Created:2025-03-14
By:Kawelo Kalili (kawelo.kalili@hawaiicounty.gov)
Status:Signed
Transaction ID:CBJCHBCAABAAqxgwqpyxabU-qq-h_F3WgQoxM4dIet2C
"Testimony in Support of SB1602 SD1 RELATING TO THE KEA
UHOU AQUIFER SYSTEM" History
Document created by Kawelo Kalili (kawelo.kalili@hawaiicounty.gov)
2025-03-14 - 10:01:14 PM GMT
Document emailed to Charles Young (youngc042@hawaii.rr.com) for signature
2025-03-14 - 10:01:18 PM GMT
Email viewed by Charles Young (youngc042@hawaii.rr.com)
2025-03-14 - 10:15:05 PM GMT
Document e-signed by Charles Young (youngc042@hawaii.rr.com)
Signature Date: 2025-03-14 - 10:15:16 PM GMT - Time Source: server
Agreement completed.
2025-03-14 - 10:15:16 PM GMT