Hawaii Senate Bill SB3106

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Refer: 1/26/24

Caption

Relating To The Commission On Water Resource Management.

Impact

By increasing the number of commission members from seven to eight, this bill not only enhances representation but ensures that traditional perspectives on water resource management are factored into decisions. The requirement that at least five members possess significant experience in water resource management remains, but the bill emphasizes the importance of including knowledge specific to Hawaiian practices and usage—potentially leading to more culturally appropriate water management strategies.

Summary

SB3106 aims to enhance the structure of the Commission on Water Resource Management by amending the existing legislation to include the chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission as a member. This addition is intended to provide better oversight and representation regarding water management decisions that involve Hawaiian home lands. The legislation directly addresses the existing statutory framework that governs the commission's membership and functions, enriching its composition and potentially its effectiveness in managing water resources.

Contention

While the bill is designed to improve management practices, some concerns may arise regarding the balance of expertise among commission members and how the new representative influences decision-making. Stakeholders may debate whether adding a new member alters the dynamics of the commission in a positive way or if it complicates the existing processes. The effectiveness of the commission in addressing urgent water needs could also be scrutinized, depending on how well the diverse experiences of its members are integrated.