HI SR190

Urges the Board of Land and Natural Resources to expedite the disposition of long-term water leases for Hawaiian Electric's non-consumptive hydroelectric use along the Wailuku River in Hilo.

Directs the Board to base lease rent on Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) charges calculated by the amount of energy produced by the hydroelectric generating plants (Puueo Hydro and Waiau Hydro).

Notes that Hawaiian Electric submitted its water lease application in August 2016 and the final environmental assessment was completed in October 2018 with a finding of no significant impact.

Emphasizes that Hawaiian Electric's use is non-consumptive with water returned to the same river source, and that the infrastructure is owned by Hawaiian Electric on its own land without requiring state lands or diversion works.

Indicates that Waiau Hydro has been offline since Hurricane Lane damage in August 2018, and a long-term water lease is necessary for Hawaiian Electric to invest in repairs and capacity upgrades.