Committee backs statewide minimum safety standards for retention and detention ponds

A House Committee on Finance subcommittee recommended passage with amendments Monday of Senate Bill 1221 SD2 HD2, a measure that would set minimum statewide safety standards for retention and detention ponds.

The bill gained momentum after testimony from Charlotte “Sharky” Schaeffer’s mother, Lisonbee Schaeffer, who told lawmakers her 5‑year‑old daughter died on Feb. 28, 2004, after entering a flooded detention pond. "My daughter, 5 year old, Charlotte Schaeffer, is the reason that I am testifying today strongly in support of Senate Bill 1221," Schaeffer said. She described a clogged drain pipe and developer inaction; she told the committee the drain pipe was “89% clogged,” and said the pond’s failure turned a neighborhood into a “sudden death pit.”

Why it matters: retention and detention ponds are used for stormwater management but can become hidden hazards if not properly maintained, especially in residential or park areas. Supporters said the bill is modeled on the Hawaii Water Safety Plan and would create baseline protections — for example, fencing, signage and ring buoys — that advocates say are common sense public‑safety measures.

Greg Mesakian, first vice president of the Kukua Council and a Waikiki Neighborhood Board member, also testified in support after attending a presentation by Schaeffer’s group.

Committee action and scope: committee members approved committee amendments that narrow where certain safety requirements apply and add a carve‑out for secured recreational areas. The committee’s amendment removed some subsections of the original draft and added language exempting retention or detention ponds on golf courses, hotels, resort properties or other secured recreational areas provided the property owner supplies proof of security to the counties. The committee report records the recommendation to pass the bill with amendments; the roll call and procedural record appear in the hearing transcript.

Implementation considerations and next steps: supporters urged a broader statewide inventory and inspection program and noted cost concerns could justify a phased approach; they urged at minimum a mandate for basic safety equipment and signage if full funding is not available this fiscal year. The measure will proceed to further legislative consideration in conference, where final language and funding will be decided.

Ending: Committee members signaled support for a statutory baseline while leaving some implementation details and funding to follow in conference negotiations.