HI HB458

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes §174C-15 to clarify that injured persons may bring actions directly before circuit courts pursuant to chapter 664 without being barred by water rights enforcement provisions.

Modifies §664-32 to grant circuit courts immediate jurisdiction over water rights controversies without prior consultation with the Commission on Water Resource Management or intervention of a jury.

Amends §664-33 to specify that circuit courts hear water rights controversies based on written grants or other instruments between private individuals or between private individuals and the State.

Requires plaintiffs to provide notice to land owners or occupants having an interest in water rights disputes before the court issues summons.

Makes the Act effective upon approval and does not affect rights, penalties, or proceedings that matured or began before the effective date.