HR 100 Summary

• Establishes a Hawaii Dam Safety Task Force to reevaluate the Hawaii Dam and Reservoir Safety Act of 2007 with focus on liability concerns and develop a strategic plan addressing climate fluctuations and water needs.

• Task force comprises 14 required members including the Chief Engineer of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (serving as chairperson), Chairperson of Board of Agriculture, Deputy of Commission on Water Resources Management, county public works and water supply officials, and university representatives.

• Task force to invite representatives from five additional organizations including the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Resource Conservation Service, The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, and Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii.

• Task force directed to analyze and address landowner liability concerns, incentives for water storage during drought periods, and strategic land use planning solutions including public-private partnerships.

• Task force must submit proposed strategic plan with findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2020 Regular Session convenes.