HI HB1396

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes §26-17 to require the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to develop a comprehensive water resources use and management plan for all Hawaiian home lands.

Water resources plan must be consistent with the Hawaii water plan and developed in conjunction with the Commission on Water Resource Management and Department of Agriculture.

Plan shall identify, quantify, and inventory existing water resources in all watersheds on Hawaiian home lands and determine conservation and augmentation methods.

Plan must determine quantity and quality of water requirements for existing and anticipated users including agricultural, homestead consumption, and cultural purposes.

Plan shall identify surface waters requiring preservation for fish and wildlife procreation, irrigation, religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes, and prioritize infrastructure improvements for water resource development and maintenance.