HB 1015 Summary

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 171-58 to replace water "leases" with "licenses" and allow disposition by direct negotiation without public auction if only one qualified bidder exists.

• Requires fair market value determination by independent appraisal for water licenses and establishes factors for valuation including water amount, delivery costs, alternative sources, economic benefit, watershed management value, and public benefit.

• Mandates publication of request for interest and qualifications notices statewide and in the relevant county before approving direct water licenses, with notice containing eligibility requirements, land/water descriptions, proposed use, closing date, and business plan requirements.

• Limits water license terms to no more than thirty years and requires all new water licenses to include a watershed management plan prioritizing forested watersheds, developed jointly with the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

• Exempts instream, in-watershed use of water for wetland kalo cultivation done in traditional manner from the licensing requirements.