Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish the Hawaiian Islands Program, and for other purposes.
A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to create the Hawaiian Islands Program within the Environmental Protection Agency. The program is designed to address clean water issues unique to Hawaii by offering funding and research assistance. It establishes an office in Hawaii overseen by a director appointed by the Administrator. A management conference must be convened to develop a comprehensive action plan focusing on cesspool conversions, environmental remediation, and coastal wetlands monitoring. The bill authorizes $50,000,000 to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 2028 through 2032 to carry out the program.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +7
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill establishes the Hawaiian Islands Program to address clean water issues, coastal wetlands monitoring, and environmental remediation.
- Scored +5
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?
The legislation supports coastal wetlands monitoring and conservation of native flora and fauna.
- Scored +5
Does this put more money into medical research?
The bill provides funding and research assistance for clean water and environmental remediation in Hawaii.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill authorizes $50,000,000 in appropriations for each of fiscal years 2028 through 2032, increasing federal expenditures.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Funding for Clean Water and Environmental Restoration: Under Section 1(f), the Director may provide funding through grants, agreements, and contracts for projects, activities, and studies. This brings financial resources to Hawaii for local water and environmental projects.
-
Cesspool Conversions and Public Health Protection: Section 1(d)(1)(A) requires the comprehensive action plan to prioritize the conversion of small-capacity cesspools, focusing on those posing the greatest risk to human and environmental health. This provision aims to protect people from health hazards related to failing waste systems.
-
Public Awareness and Access to Information: Section 1(b)(3)(B)(v) requires the Director to collect and make publications and information available to the public on a publicly accessible website. This keeps taxpayers informed about the environmental quality of watersheds and coastal waters.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Government Spending and Taxpayer Burden: Section 1(g)(1) authorizes appropriations of $50,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2028 through 2032 to carry out the program. This commits substantial federal funds, which ultimately comes out of taxpayer pockets.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill establishes the Hawaiian Islands Program to address clean water issues, coastal wetlands monitoring, and environmental remediation. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — The legislation supports coastal wetlands monitoring and conservation of native flora and fauna. Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill invests in wastewater infrastructure and watershed restoration projects across Hawaii.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The management conference includes stakeholders from Native Hawaiian organizations with expertise in traditional ecological knowledge. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill's focus on wastewater management and cesspool conversions directly benefits residential and rural communities in Hawaii.
- Healthcare
- Does this put more money into medical research? — The bill provides funding and research assistance for clean water and environmental remediation in Hawaii. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — The bill improves public and environmental health by addressing clean water issues and converting risky cesspools.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the Director to make publications and information available to the public on a publicly accessible website. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill establishes a new federal program and office within the EPA to oversee local environmental planning in Hawaii.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill provides funding for research assistance regarding watersheds, aquifers, and coastal ecosystems.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill authorizes $50,000,000 in appropriations for each of fiscal years 2028 through 2032, increasing federal expenditures.
- 9/30/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/29/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Introduced in Senate
Brian SchatzDemocrat · Hawaii