Bill Text: HI SB1369 | 2011 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Water Wastage; Crime
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-01-26 - (S) Referred to WLH/ENE, JDL. [SB1369 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2011-SB1369-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
1369 |
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TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO WATER.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that water is a precious resource in Hawaii. According to the Honolulu board of water supply, it takes approximately twenty-five years for rain water to percolate into the earth and into underground aquifers. Yet water is frequently wasted through careless use, including the use of sprinklers during rain storms and the use of broken sprinklers that allow excessive water runoff. This type of wastage is comparable to littering; however, there are greater consequences to the public.
The purpose of this Act is to establish excessive water wastage as a petty misdemeanor.
SECTION 2. Chapter 711, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§711- Criminal wastage of water. (1) A person commits the offense of criminal wastage of water if that person knowingly:
(a) Allows substantial amounts of water emanating from that person's property to fall, run, or stream onto areas outside of that person's property, as evidenced by a constant stream of water overflowing into the street or other drainage area for a period of one hour or more; or
(b) Operates a permanently installed irrigation system, not including portable sprinklers, with a defective sprinkler head that results in a constant stream of water that overflows into the street or other drainage area for a period of one hour or more.
(2) It shall be a defense to prosecution under this section if the reason for the wastage is damaged pipes.
(3) Violation of this section shall be a petty misdemeanor. A violation shall be subject to a fine as follows:
(a) $50 for the first offense;
(b) $100 for the second offense; and
(c) Up to $1,000 for the third and any subsequent offense;
provided that there shall be no sentence of imprisonment."
SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Water Wastage; Crime
Description:
Establishes the offense of criminal wastage of water as a petty misdemeanor subject to a fine.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
