HI SB1066

Establishes a water security working group within the Commission on Water Resource Management to study and recommend priority capital improvement projects that leverage public-private investment to increase Hawaii's water security.

Working group shall evaluate projects including watershed protection, dam and reservoir renovation, water transmission system improvements, potable water reduction for non-food irrigation, water reuse, and water quality/quantity monitoring.

Working group membership includes county water utility officials, state agency representatives (DLNR, health department), agricultural water experts, private landowners, Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, and philanthropic organization representatives.

Working group shall submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2024 regular session convening; group dissolves June 30, 2024.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2023-2024 to cover administrative support, travel, meeting, and operational costs, with unencumbered funds lapsing to the general fund on June 30, 2024; effective July 1, 2050.