The legislation mandates the Department of Land and Natural Resources to work closely with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and local reservoir owners. This collaboration aims to establish protocols for the use of reservoir waters specifically for fire safety purposes. The adjustments to the water code will emphasize maximizing the beneficial use of state waters while ensuring compliance with traditional Hawaiian rights and maintaining ecological balance.
Summary
SB1065 relates to the management of water resources in Hawaii, with a specific focus on enhancing fire safety through better utilization of reservoir waters. The bill identifies fire safety as a beneficial use of water, thereby amending the existing state water code to include provisions that support this initiative. The primary objective is to improve fire preparedness by ensuring that key reservoirs are adequately stocked with water, thereby making these resources available for emergency fire control measures.
Contention
While the bill aims to bolster fire response efforts, it reveals potential points of contention regarding water resource allocation. There may be concerns among stakeholders about prioritizing water for fire safety over other essential uses such as agricultural or municipal needs. Additionally, the bill seeks to balance modern fire safety requirements with the protection of traditional Hawaiian rights and environmental considerations, which could elicit debate among various interest groups.