Bill > HB306

This bill updates Hawaii's State Water Code penalties to strengthen environmental protection and water resource management. The legislation adds a minimum fine of $50 and establishes a tiered maximum penalty structure for water code violations, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the severity and impact of the violation. The Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) is now authorized to treat each day of a continuing violation as a separate offense, with penalties assessable from the earliest known date of the violation. The bill requires the commission to consider multiple factors when determining penalties, including the nature and extent of the violation, economic benefits gained by the violator, potential environmental harm, and the violator's efforts to comply. Additionally, the maximum fine will incrementally increase every five years from 2030 to 2045, starting at $30,000 and ultimately reaching $45,000 per violation. The legislative findings emphasize that these changes will help preserve water resources, protect ecosystems, promote public health and safety, support climate change resilience, ensure economic stability, and increase accountability for water resource management. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2040, and does not impact rights, penalties, or proceedings that occurred before its effective date.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=306&year=2025