HI HB2739

Establishes standards for permitting, inspection, and maintenance of dams, reservoirs, and appurtenant structures to prevent emergencies threatening life and property.

Creates a dam rehabilitation loan revolving fund financed by legislative appropriations, federal funds, revenue bonds, and loan repayments to provide financing for dam repairs and removal.

Requires dam owners to obtain permits before constructing new dams or reconstructing, enlarging, modifying, repairing, removing, or abandoning existing dams, with applications including plans, specifications, maintenance plans, and emergency action plans.

Mandates periodic inspections of dams by consulting engineers (annually for high hazard dams, every two years for significant hazard dams, every five years for low hazard dams) with reports filed with the department.

Authorizes the department to take emergency control of dangerous dams or reservoirs, including lowering water levels or draining reservoirs, and allows reimbursement of emergency actions through the rehabilitation loan program.