SB1461

Increases penalties for violations of the state water code in Hawaii and outlines factors for penalty assessment.

This bill amends the state water code to increase penalties for violations, setting a minimum fine of $50 and a maximum of $25,000 per violation. Each day of a continuing violation is considered a separate offense. The commission on water resource management must consider specific factors when imposing penalties, including the nature of the violation, economic benefit to the violator, and good faith efforts to comply. The bill also increases the maximum fine over time, reaching $75,000 by 2045.