HB 1987 Summary

• Requires the Commission on Water Resource Management to contract with the United States Geological Survey to conduct a five-year streamflow study in Hawaii.

• Study must include an intensive, site-specific low-flow stream study of east Maui streams diverted by the east Maui irrigation system that have not been previously studied.

• Study includes establishing instream flow monitoring stations, converting existing crest stage gaging stations into continuous streamflow stations, and installing index stations for long-term trend assessment.

• Commission must submit preliminary reports to the legislature prior to convening of regular sessions in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, and a final report prior to the 2023 regular session.

• Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2018-2019 for the Commission to contract with the United States Geological Survey for the streamflow study; specific amounts left blank in bill text.