The bill mandates the Department of Land and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, to work with counties and reservoir owners to create protocols and agreements regarding the use of reservoirs for fire safety purposes. This cooperation is crucial in ensuring that, in the event of wildfires, there is a readily available source of fresh water to assist in immediate firefighting efforts. The bill also emphasizes the importance of balancing water use for fire safety with other competing demands, which may include agricultural and municipal uses.
Summary
House Bill 2044 aims to enhance fire safety measures related to the management and usage of water resources in Hawaii. The bill specifically identifies fire safety as a beneficial use of water within the state water code, amending Section 174C-2 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes to explicitly include this provision. This change is significant as it acknowledges the growing threat of wildfires, particularly in areas prone to such disasters, and underscores the necessity for effective water management strategies to mitigate fire risks.
Contention
A notable point of contention regarding HB 2044 lies in the potential implications for existing water rights, particularly traditional and customary Hawaiian rights. The bill asserts that while establishing protocols for fire safety is essential, it also necessitates the safeguarding of these rights, which could lead to debates about prioritization of water resources. Stakeholders may have differing opinions on how to balance emergency needs with longstanding community practices and ecological considerations.