Water and Infrastructure Committee Meeting - March 19, 2026

(Note: The meeting transcript references March 9, 2026, but the official date provided for this summary is March 19, 2026. The committee convened at 1:36 p.m. under Chair Tom Cook to discuss two items: Y-22 (Bill 16 regulating low-speed electric bicycles) and Y-1 Print 6 (operational and budgetary review of the Department of Environmental Management).)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Y-22 (Electric Bicycles): Two testifiers spoke. J.C. Law from Waqua Ahoa expressed support for regulating unsafe riding like wheelies, noting that low-speed e-bikes are useful for seniors and commuting but that dangerous antics are annoying. Mike Moran, a lifelong cyclist, distinguished between low-speed e-bikes and high-speed electric vehicles (e-motorcycles), stating that the real danger comes from high-speed vehicles weaving in traffic, and that any safety regulation is positive.
• Y-1 (DEM Review): Three testifiers spoke. Travis Liggett proposed a nonprofit donation model to fund 100% disinfection at Kihei and Kahului plants, suggesting a memorandum of agreement to accept donations for CBS 5521 or CBS 1169 projects. Mike Moran raised concerns about UV treatment at the South Maui (Kihei) plant, citing inconsistent information and poor water quality at Cove Park, and urged expansion of R1 irrigation to stop injection well discharge. A third anonymous testifier (identified as "Mr. Cook" in the transcript) inquired about lithium-ion battery disposal, noting they should not go to the landfill, and also commented on the exclusion of the environmental protection and sustainability division from the review.

Discussion Items

• Y-22 (Bill 16 – Low-Speed Electric Bicycles): The proposed bill (CD1 version) aims to mandate helmets for riders under 18, define safe riding conduct, and prohibit exhibition driving. Departments (Parks, Public Works, Transportation, Police, Prosecuting Attorney, Corporation Counsel) voiced support but raised concerns about defining "low-speed e-bike" vs. high-speed e-motorcycles (already illegal on streets). The Prosecuting Attorney suggested changing a conjunctive clause to disjunctive for enforcement. Councilmembers debated: some (Vice Chair Sugi-Mura, Member Batangan) supported regulation and parental accountability; others (Member Johnson) opposed, favoring education and bike lanes over new laws. The presentation from the DRIP committee clarified three e-bike classes (Class 1: pedal-assist ≤20 mph, no throttle; Class 2: throttle assist ≤20 mph; Class 3: pedal-assist ≤28 mph; all under 750W) and that devices without pedals or exceeding these limits are e-motorcycles and already illegal on roads. MPD Lt. Nakamura highlighted that enforcement challenges include juveniles repeat offending and the need for parental consequences.
• Y-1 (DEM Operational and Budgetary Review): Deputy Director Luna-Hoomoku (and Chief Nakagawa, Chief Keanu) presented the FY2026 budget and project status. Key points: 95% of DEM's CIP budget is for wastewater; 70% of CIP is for expansion/infrastructure (especially R1 water and Central Maui facility). Major project updates: Central Maui Wastewater Reclamation Facility design at 60%, EIS published, operational target early 2030; West Maui R1 distribution construction at 80% (due by mandate); many other projects at 5% design (planning phases). Solid waste projects include landfill gas system expansion and composting permit efforts. Discussion covered funding (unknown future sources for construction, potential use of CDBG-DR funds), staff vacancies (~18%, particularly engineers), contractor capacity, and green waste diversion (exploring composting but permitting obstacles). Chair Lee and others questioned the large number of early-stage projects and carryover savings; Eric Nakagawa explained that planning funds are encumbered and that any carryover reduces future sewer rates. Councilmember Sugi-Mura noted that the state bill SB 2971 (McKelvey) for universal R1 by 2040 is not moving forward. Member Paulton raised questions about R1 allocation priorities (foreign billionaire vs. county plans) and the potential for Hawaii Water Services to create a private recycling plant. Director Takamori of Transportation supported the e-bike bill but emphasized safety measures.

Key Outcomes

• Y-22 (Bill 16): Deferred to the Public Works Commission for review and comment. No vote taken. The committee agreed to revisit after receiving the commission's feedback.
• Y-1 (DEM Review): Deferred. The committee will submit written budget-related questions to the department for detailed responses. No action taken. Chair Cook expressed support for funding projects that are ready to proceed and for assisting with personnel needs, while cautioning against funding unstarted projects.