HI SR70

Department of Land and Natural Resources must conduct a feasibility study on establishing a watershed council to serve as the decision-making body for water sales and transfers.

Watershed council would develop plans for preservation and restoration of Hawaii's watersheds to address concerns that the State is not adequately compensated when selling or transferring watershed lands to private entities.

Study must examine potential overlap with existing duties of the Commission on Water Resource Management, which already holds significant watershed protection and management powers.

Department must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2021 Regular Session convenes.

Certified copies of the resolution must be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources and Commission on Water Resource Management.