SB272 amends Hawaii's water resource management to enhance the Commission on Water Resource Management's authority and responsibilities.

SB272 amends Hawaii's water resource management laws to strengthen the Commission on Water Resource Management's authority and responsibilities. The bill establishes the position of Executive Director to manage the commission's operations, replacing the former Deputy to the Chairperson. It grants the commission the power to declare water shortages, issue emergency orders, and set fines for water use violations. The commission is tasked with coordinating water resource management with federal, state, and local agencies, and it must prioritize public trust water use permit applications.

SB272 amends Hawaii's water resource management to enhance the Commission on Water Resource Management's authority and responsibilities.

SB272 amends Hawaii's water resource management laws to strengthen the Commission on Water Resource Management's authority and responsibilities. The bill establishes the position of Executive Director to manage the commission's operations, replacing the former Deputy to the Chairperson. It grants the commission the power to declare water shortages, issue emergency orders, and set fines for water use violations. The commission is tasked with coordinating water resource management with federal, state, and local agencies, and it must prioritize public trust water use permit applications.