HI SB537

Waives the Department of Health water quality certification requirement for applicants who receive authorization to proceed from the Department of Land and Natural Resources under the statewide programmatic general permit for loko i'a (Hawaiian fishpond) restoration, repair, maintenance, and operation.

Requires the Department of Health to process loko i'a permit and water quality certification applications before all other permits and certifications, with a 30-day deadline to determine application completeness and 150-day deadline for decisions on complete applications.

Establishes that incomplete applications for loko i'a reconstruction, restoration, or repair shall be denied without prejudice.

Adds definitions for "loko i'a" (Hawaiian fishpond as defined in section 183B-1) and "water quality certification" (state certification under section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act).

Takes effect upon approval and aims to streamline the permit process for Hawaiian fishpond projects by reducing the number of separate agency applications required.