HI HCR158

Requests establishment of a task force to recommend structural and administrative changes to the Commission on Water Resource Management to improve operations and protect its mission.

Task force membership includes the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Hawaiian Affairs representative, Acting Deputy Director for Water Resource Management, legislative committee chairs, Judiciary representative, two public members with water resource management experience, and three public members with expertise in traditional and customary native Hawaiian practices and water policy.

Task force chair must be selected from members but cannot be the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

Task force directed to make recommendations on procedures to avoid conflicts of interest, structural amendments to improve the Commission's ability to fulfill constitutional and statutory duties, and prevention of government overreach affecting the Commission's work.

Task force required to submit findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the Legislature by December 1, 2024; Department of Land and Natural Resources to provide administrative and staff support.