Hawaii House bill in Session 2026.
Status: in_committee. Latest action: May 8, 2026.
State Water Code; CWRM; Penalties.
Makes failure to maintain a natural stream channel that causes an unreasonable and substantial physical obstruction of the natural flow of water a violation of the State Water Code, with certain exceptions. Establishes a period of time after receipt of written notice of certain violations of the State Water Code during which a violator may remedy the violation or enter into a corrective action plan with the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM). Gives CWRM the discretion to impose a minimum penalty per State Water Code violation, increases the maximum penalty per violation, and authorizes CWRM to consider each day that a violation exists or continues to exist a separate offense. Establishes factors CWRM must consider when determining the amount of the penalty. Prohibits the State from acquiring a fee simple interest in any artificial watercourse, including a canal or ditch, under certain circumstances. Allows the State to acquire a fee simple interest in the artificial watercourse if the Legislature provides prior approval by concurrent resolution. (CD1)
| Date | Event | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 0000-00-00 | Introduced | Bill introduced |
| 2026-05-08 | Status | in_committee |
| 2026-05-08 | Latest Action | Recommitted to Conference committee as amended in CD 1 with none voting no and Representative(s) Ratcliffe excused. |