HB 848 Summary

• Prohibits the Board of Land and Natural Resources from approving water diversion dispositions unless authorization is limited to no more than 15 years.

• Requires the Board to have accurate stream flow data and ensure no more than 50 percent of stream water is removed at any point, with consideration paid at least 90 percent of the avoided cost to the applicant for alternative water sources.

• Mandates the Board determine that diversions will not adversely impact the ecological, cultural, recreational, and aesthetic values of affected streams.

• Exempts taro cultivation from these restrictions.

• Deposits all moneys collected from water diversion dispositions into the Forest Stewardship Fund, with constitutionally-entitled shares to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Office of Hawaiian Affairs.