HI HB2077

Authorizes construction of small hydropower facilities on agricultural district lands as defined by the United States Department of Energy, including impoundment, diversion/run-of-river, and pumped storage facilities.

Removes the previous 500-kilowatt capacity limitation and instead ties hydroelectric facilities to the federal definition of small hydropower.

Requires hydroelectric facilities exceeding 500 kilowatts to obtain approval from the Commission on Water Resource Management, including establishment of new instream flow standards.

Mandates compliance with the state water code (Chapter 174C) and requires facilities to not impact or impede agricultural land use or surface and ground water availability for other users.

Takes effect July 1, 2016, with provisions ensuring amendments to the hydroelectric facility standards survive the June 30, 2019 reenactment of the underlying statute.