HB 2690 Summary

• Establishes a Red Hill Water Alliance Initiative (WAI) Policy Coordinator position within the Commission on Water Resource Management to coordinate remediation efforts following the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility defueling and address contamination impacts.

• Creates the Red Hill Remediation Special Fund to support monitoring, applied research, public outreach, and evaluation of Red Hill contamination; funds derived from legislative appropriations, gifts, donations, and grants.

• Repeals the Deputy to the Chairperson position and establishes an Executive Director of the Commission on Water Resource Management, appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the commission.

• Grants the Commission on Water Resource Management authority to declare water emergencies and issue emergency orders for water use restrictions; allows parties to challenge emergency orders but requires immediate compliance pending resolution.

• Increases water violation penalties from a maximum of $5,000 to $25,000 per violation, with daily violations counted separately; establishes six factors for commission consideration when imposing penalties.

• Amends Commission composition to allow chairperson election by commission members rather than automatic chairperson appointment, and adds Office of Hawaiian Affairs representative to nominating committee.

• Takes effect July 1, 2050, except for positions and appropriations which take effect July 1, 2024.