Bill > SB1461

This bill amends Hawaii's State Water Code to strengthen enforcement and penalties for water resource violations. The bill introduces a minimum fine of $50 and increases the maximum fine from $5,000 to $25,000 per violation, with scheduled increases to $75,000 by 2045. The legislation expands the definition of violations to include failing to obtain required permits, not complying with permit conditions, and ignoring water audit requirements. Importantly, each day a violation continues will be considered a separate offense, allowing for cumulative penalties. The Commission on Water Resource Management must now consider multiple factors when imposing penalties, including the nature and history of the violation, economic benefits gained by the violator, the opportunity for corrective action, good faith efforts to comply, and degree of culpability. The bill aims to create a more robust deterrent against water resource code violations by providing clearer guidelines for penalty assessment and increasing financial consequences for non-compliance. The legislation stems from a legislative finding that the existing water code penalties were insufficient to protect Hawaii's water resources effectively.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1461&year=2026