Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB205

Introduced
1/15/25  
Refer
1/17/25  

Caption

Relating To The Commission On Water Resource Management.

Impact

The legislative action seeks to enhance representation within the commission and align the decision-making processes concerning water resources with the interests of Hawaiian home land beneficiaries. By adding the Chairperson as a voting member, the bill may influence policies and strategies related to water allocation and sustainability, which are significant issues in the context of Hawaii's distinct environmental and social landscape.

Summary

SB205 aims to amend Hawaii's water resource management by adding the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission, or their designee, as an ex officio member to the Commission on Water Resource Management. This inclusion is intended to ensure that the deliberations of the commission adequately incorporate and protect water reserves necessary for the current and foreseeable needs of Hawaiian home lands. Advocates see this change as crucial for reinforcing the connection between water resource management and the needs of Native Hawaiian communities.

Contention

While the bill's proponents argue that this change will better protect water resources critical to Hawaiian home lands, there may be concerns regarding the potential for conflicts of interest or increased political influence over water management decisions. Critics may argue that broadening the commission's membership could complicate its operations or detract from its original focus on efficient water management. However, no specific opposition has been noted in the provided excerpts.

Companion Bills

HI SB205

Carry Over Relating To The Commission On Water Resource Management.

Previously Filed As

HI SB205

Relating To The Commission On Water Resource Management.

HI HB919

Relating To The Commission On Water Resource Management.

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.

HI HCR197

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.

HI SB1634

Relating To Water Resources.

HI SB3

Relating To Water.

HI HB1367

Relating To Water Resources.

HI SB272

Relating To Water.

HI SB543

Relating To Water.

HI HB405

Relating To Water.

Similar Bills

HI HCR192

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Establish A Native Hawaiian Economic Development Working Group.

HI SCR89

Requesting The Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission To Establish An Advisory Committee To Develop Recommendations On The Implementation Of Alternative Models For Rehabilitation And Restorative Justice On Oahu.

HI SR84

Requesting The Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission To Establish An Advisory Committee To Develop Recommendations On The Implementation Of Alternative Models For Rehabilitation And Restorative Justice On Oahu.

HI HR120

Requesting The Department Of Transportation, In Collaboration With The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands, To Convene A Working Group To Coordinate Capital Improvement Planning To Reduce Infrastructure Costs For Hawaiian Home Lands Developments.

HI HCR128

Requesting The Department Of Transportation, In Collaboration With The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands, To Convene A Working Group To Coordinate Capital Improvement Planning To Reduce Infrastructure Costs For Hawaiian Home Lands Developments.

HI SB205

Relating To The Commission On Water Resource Management.

HI SB759

Relating To The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation.

HI SB759

Relating To The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation.