EPA could fund Hawaii clean-water work if Congress provides money

The EPA administrator would operate the Hawaiian Islands Program through an office in Hawaii and appoint its director. The program would focus on clean-water problems shaped by Hawaii's geography, ecosystems, and climate. Congress would still need to provide the authorized money. No more than 4% of each year's program funds could be used for administration. The funding authorization would cover fiscal years 2028 through 2032.

The program director would convene an expert conference that would develop and update a statewide clean-water action plan. Members would include government and nonprofit experts and Native Hawaiian organization representatives with relevant knowledge. The director would consult Hawaii officials when choosing members and convening the conference. After finishing the first plan, the conference would prepare a new project priority list each year. The first plan would be due within three years after enactment and would be revised at least once every five years.

The program director could provide money for projects, activities, and studies on the annual priority list. Recipients could include government bodies, wastewater system managers with technical and financial capacity, and other public or private groups. Funding would depend on Congress providing program money. The work would have to appear on the annual priority list. Project funding could begin only after the first action plan is final and the conference has compiled an annual priority list.