Hawaii HB510 amends water shortage declaration procedures to allow for broader permit classifications and criteria.

Hawaii HB510 modifies the conditions under which the commission on water resource management can declare water shortages and emergencies. The bill allows the commission to adopt a reasonable system of permit classification through rulemaking, which can be applied uniformly to water users. It also enables the commission to declare water shortages in areas outside of designated water management areas and to apply these declarations to well and stream diversion works owners and operators.

Hawaii HB510 amends water shortage declaration procedures to allow for broader permit classifications and criteria.

Hawaii HB510 modifies the conditions under which the commission on water resource management can declare water shortages and emergencies. The bill allows the commission to adopt a reasonable system of permit classification through rulemaking, which can be applied uniformly to water users. It also enables the commission to declare water shortages in areas outside of designated water management areas and to apply these declarations to well and stream diversion works owners and operators.