HB405

Hawaii HB405 amends water resource management to enhance the commission's authority and accountability.

Hawaii HB405 amends the state water code to strengthen the Commission on Water Resource Management's authority and accountability. The bill establishes the position of executive director, replacing the deputy to the chairperson, and defines the commission's public trust responsibilities. It mandates the commission to prioritize water use permit applications for public trust purposes and sets criteria for declaring water shortages. The commission is authorized to impose restrictions on water use during shortages and establish an instream use protection program.