HI HB1946

Changes Section 174C-2(b) to state the Hawaii water plan "shall be" (rather than "is") accepted as the guide for developing and implementing water policy.

Replaces the previous water code interpretation standard in Section 174C-2(c) with a public trust doctrine framework, making resource protection, domestic uses, Hawaiian home lands, native Hawaiian rights, and agricultural land conservation primary considerations alongside reasonable and beneficial use of water resources.

Defines "augmenting" water resources in Section 174C-31(c) and (d) to specifically include water storage, storm water capture, aquifer recharge, and aquifer storage.

Expands standing to file objections to water use permit applications in Section 174C-53(b) to include anyone "directly and immediately affected" by the proposed use, removing the requirement to have property interest in the hydrologic unit.

Becomes effective upon approval.