SB 878

Bill Subjects

Board Of Water Supply County Representation Hawaiian Home Lands

Abstract

Requires each board of water supply to send an annual accounting of water credits to the department of Hawaiian home lands. Requires the boards to annually reserve the water credits requested by the department of Hawaiian home lands. Prohibits counties from withholding any water developed by the department of Hawaiian home lands for the board of water supply's own use and allocation in the negotiation of any water development, water credit, or similar agreement. Requires the counties to credit the department of Hawaiian home lands the full amount of credits justified by the water development. Requires each board of water supply to develop water shortage policies that first require reductions in non-public trust uses of water, including the uses on Hawaiian home lands under section 221 of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act rather than equal percentage reductions in use. Requires each county board of water supply to apply for water licenses of any waters they develop or have in their system emanating from state lands under section 171-58 before July 30, 2022. Adds representation of the interests set forth on section 221 of the Hawaiian homes commission Act onto the county boards of water supply.