HI HB605

Establishes a dam and reservoir working group within the Department of Land and Natural Resources to review state laws, administrative rules, and policies affecting dams and reservoirs in Hawaii.

Working group membership includes the chairpersons of the Board of Land and Natural Resources and Board of Agriculture (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/reservoir owners.

Working group shall review applicable regulations and recommend amendments or actions to ensure continued availability and operation of dams and reservoirs, and examine their role in drought mitigation and maintaining dependable water supplies.

Working group shall submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2024 regular session convening.

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