HI SB1377

Adds three new definitions to Hawaii water pollution laws: "Act" (Clean Water Act), "water quality certification," and "water quality standards," aligning state law with federal Clean Water Act regulations.

Expands the definition of "state waters" to explicitly include wetlands in the list of protected waters.

Consolidates water quality certification requirements for loko i'a (Hawaiian fishponds) into section 342D-53 and waives certification requirements for projects with authorization from the Department of Land and Natural Resources under statewide permits for loko i'a restoration or small-scale beach restoration programs.

Increases civil penalties for water pollution violations from $25,000 to $59,973 per offense and raises penalties for obstruction of inspections from $10,000 to $25,000 per day.

Clarifies the Director of Health's authority as a certifying agency for water quality certifications, including the power to enforce violations of certifications, with certification terms not to exceed five years.