Hawaii House Bill HCR197

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/14/25
• Report Pass: 3/31/25
• Engrossed: 3/31/25
• Refer: 4/1/25

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Working Group To Clarify The Purpose Of The Commission On Water Resource Management And Determine Whether The Leadership Structure And Composition Of The Commission Should Be Amended.

Impact

If enacted, this resolution seeks to modernize the leadership structure of the CWRM to enhance its accountability and operational effectiveness. The working group will make recommendations on various aspects, including defining the commission's public trust duties more explicitly, allowing the commission to retain independent counsel, and possibly repealing certain positions that may no longer align with current needs. Such changes could lead to significant revisions in how water resources are regulated and managed, influencing both local governance and state-wide water policies.

Summary

HCR197 is a House Concurrent Resolution that requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources in Hawaii to convene a working group tasked with clarifying the purpose and leadership structure of the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM). The bill highlights the importance of effective water resource management, especially given the state's ongoing climate crisis and the need for sustainable practices to meet local housing needs. It underscores the necessity for experienced and continuous leadership in managing Hawaii's water resources responsibly.

Contention

The resolution also raises potential points of contention regarding eligibility criteria for the chairperson of the CWRM and the structure of the commission itself, including whether certain designated officials should be precluded from serving. Moreover, discussions around the capacity for emergency orders and the imposition of fines for water usage violations spark debates about environmental accountability and regulatory enforcement. The working group's recommendations could lead to significant shifts in power dynamics concerning water management in Hawaii.