Informing the Legislature that on July 3, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB1221 SD2 HD3 CD1 (ACT 281).

This bill (SB1221, Act 281) requires Hawaii counties to adopt safety regulations for retention and detention ponds by January 2027. It mandates specific safety features for all such ponds, including 4-foot fencing, "No Swimming" signage, life buoys at entry points, and regular maintenance plans. The law excludes ponds on golf courses, hotels, and resorts, but requires those properties to prove adequate security measures to counties. Counties must also survey all existing ponds statewide and report findings to the legislature.