Bill > SB145

This bill expands the Hawaii Commission on Water Resource Management's authority to declare and manage water shortages by allowing the commission to develop water shortage plans and permit classifications for areas both within and outside of designated water management areas. The bill requires the commission to create rules establishing a systematic approach to classifying water use permits, with criteria for determining water shortages that now explicitly include impacts of climate change. The commission will be required to publish water shortage notices in newspapers and on their website, with more frequent initial publications and ongoing monthly updates. The bill also mandates that permittees be notified of water use changes via regular mail and email when possible. In emergency water shortage conditions, the commission gains broader powers to apportion, limit, or prohibit water use to protect public health, safety, welfare, and environmental resources. Notably, the bill streamlines the legal process by requiring immediate compliance with emergency orders even if a party challenges them, with the commission giving priority to hearing such challenges. The changes aim to create a more comprehensive, transparent, and responsive system for managing water resources during shortage conditions, particularly in light of recent drought experiences across Hawaiian islands.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=145&year=2026