HI HB605

Establishes a dam and reservoir working group within the Department of Land and Natural Resources to ensure continued availability and operation of dams and reservoirs in Hawaii.

Working group membership includes the chairs of the Board of Land and Natural Resources and Board of Agriculture (as co-chairs), the deputy director for water resource management, two governor-appointed members (one representing counties), and representatives from the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Land Use Research Foundation, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and three dam and reservoir owners.

Working group shall review state laws, administrative rules, and operational policies related to dams and reservoirs to recommend amendments and modifications, and examine the role of dams and reservoirs in drought mitigation and water supply maintenance.

Working group must submit findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days before the start of the 2024 regular session.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2023-2024 to support the working group, which ceases to exist on June 30, 2024.