The U.S. Senate has approved the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, which incorporates several measures advocated by U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Brian Schatz to benefit communities in Hawaii and enhance the state's disaster resilience. This legislation permits the Secretary of the Army, through the Assistant Secretary for Civil Works, to undertake studies, projects, and research activities aimed at improving U.S. waterways. The bill passed with a vote of 97-1 and now awaits presidential approval.
"The Water Resources Development Act is crucial legislation to strengthen our country’s water conservation efforts and improve waterways," said Senators Hirono and Schatz. "This year’s bill includes several provisions that will benefit Hawaii’s communities, including projects to expand access to resources for remote communities, reduce flood and storm damages across the state, and support Maui as they continue to recover after the wildfires."
WRDA is biennial legislation that allows the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to engage in activities related to water conservation and development, including flood control, navigation, and ecosystem restoration.
In October 2023, Senators Hirono and Schatz requested that ten provisions be included in WRDA 2024 to aid Hawaii's communities:
Supporting Maui Post-Wildfires
The act prioritizes watershed assessments on Maui island areas affected by wildfires such as Wahikuli and Honolua among others. It also initiates a project for flood risk management feasibility studies in Maui County.
Expanding Access to Resources
Section 444 Amendments include Hawaii in the “Pacific Region” under Section 444 of WRDA 1996. This change facilitates broader project partnerships involving cultural resource preservation.
Eligibility expansion allows coastal community harbors crucial for local longevity to gain more consideration for cultural and ecosystem benefits during cost-benefit analyses.
Remote areas can incorporate comprehensive benefits into cost-benefit analyses for small storm damage reduction projects based on factors like increased area costs or community viability.
Strengthening Disaster Resilience
Modifications in Honolulu Deep-Draft Harbor funding consider disaster resilience alongside national security aspects related to its use by the Department of Defense.
Repair completion at Laupahoehoe Harbor seawall is expedited under this act.
A new project authorizes feasibility studies focused on flood risk management within Kauai County's coastal storm risk management framework.
Expanded authority over Hanapepe Levee project allows evaluation into flooding sources along with proposing structural solutions within Hanapepe River watershed.
Waimea Levee project receives expanded authority evaluating flooding sources while exploring modifications needed within Waimea River levees located on Kauai’s southwest coast.
Finally authorized is Kuliouou Stream Flood Risk Management initiating feasibility study concerning flood risks prevalent within Hawaii Kai region.