HB1142

Increases penalties for violations of the state water code in Hawaii.

This bill amends the state water code to increase penalties for violations, aiming to serve as a stronger deterrent. It sets a minimum penalty of $50 and a maximum penalty of $25,000 per violation, with escalating maximum fines over time. The commission on water resource management must consider specific factors when imposing penalties, such as the nature and extent of the violation and the violator's economic benefit. The bill also allows for the recovery of administrative fees, costs, and attorney's fees through legal action.