Relating To Water Use Permits.
With the repeal of section 171-58 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, House Bill 762 effectively removes the Board of Land and Natural Resources' power to issue water use permits. This centralization of power within the Commission on Water Resource Management is expected to enhance efficiency in permitting processes, ensuring that applications are processed in a more timely manner. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for establishing new positions within the Commission to help facilitate the implementation of this change, which may lead to improved administration of water resources in the state.
House Bill 762 aims to streamline the process of issuing water use permits in Hawaii by reforming the current regulatory structure. The bill seeks to dismantle the existing bifurcated system involving the Board of Land and Natural Resources and the Commission on Water Resource Management, asserting that the latter should have the sole authority to approve and issue these permits. This legislative initiative stems from concerns regarding the inefficiency of the current licensing system, which has been criticized for its delays and failure to regularly issue permits, thereby limiting anticipated revenue from water use permits.
While proponents of the bill argue that the proposed changes will lead to more effective water resource management, critics may raise concerns about the concentration of regulatory power and the potential impacts on local governance and community needs. As the bill removes the role of the Board of Land and Natural Resources in water permitting, some stakeholders might fear that this could limit opportunities for local input in water management decisions. Furthermore, the implications for traditional and customary practices relating to water use, particularly for kalo cultivation, will need careful consideration to ensure that cultural rights are respected in the new regulatory framework.