Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HCR197

Introduced
3/7/25  
Refer
3/14/25  
Report Pass
3/31/25  
Engrossed
3/31/25  

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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR47

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Working Group To Inform The Public About The Options Available To Address The State's Feral Chicken Population.

HI HR36

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Working Group To Inform The Public About The Options Available To Address The State's Feral Chicken Population.

HI HCR158

Requesting A Task Force To Be Established To Recommend Changes To The Structure And Administration Of The Commission On Water Resource Management To Improve Its Operations And Functions And Protect Its Mission.

HI SCR73

Requesting The Establishment Of A Stream Maintenance Working Group Within The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI SCR123

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Working Group To Make Recommendations On Solutions To Reduce Wildfire Risk And The Feasibility Of Establishing A Vegetation Management Program As It Relates To Landowners And Public Utilities.

HI SR61

Requesting The Establishment Of A Stream Maintenance Working Group Within The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI SR105

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Working Group To Make Recommendations On Solutions To Reduce Wildfire Risk And The Feasibility Of Establishing A Vegetation Management Program As It Relates To Landowners And Public Utilities.

HI HCR148

Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Vegetation Management Working Group To Study, Evaluate, And Make Recommendations Regarding Regulations That Define Property Owner Obligations To Perform Vegetation Management On Public And Private Property For Purposes Of Wildfire Risk Mitigation.

HI HCR146

Requesting The Auditor To Conduct A Comprehensive Management Audit Of The Division Of Boating And Ocean Recreation Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI HR137

Requesting A Task Force To Be Established To Recommend Changes To The Structure And Administration Of The Commission On Water Resource Management To Improve Its Operations And Functions And Protect Its Mission.

Similar Bills

HI SCR146

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.

CA SB1436

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NJ S669

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NJ A1758

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HI HB1212

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HI HR25

Requesting The Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission To Convene A Task Force To Examine And Make Recommendations Regarding Existing Procedures Of The Hawaii Paroling Authority Setting The Minimum Terms Of Imprisonment.