HI HB1142

Increases minimum penalty for state water code violations from $0 to $50 and maximum penalty from $5,000 to $25,000 per violation, with staged increases to $30,000 (January 1, 2030), $40,000 (January 1, 2035), $55,000 (January 1, 2040), and $75,000 (January 1, 2045).

Expands violation categories to include: violations of chapter provisions, violations of commission rules, violations of commission orders, failure to obtain required permits, failure to comply with permit conditions, and failure to comply with water audit requirements.

Clarifies that each day a violation exists or continues constitutes a separate offense, with penalties assessed from the earliest known date of violation as determined by the commission.

Requires the Commission on Water Resource Management to consider six specific factors when imposing penalties: nature and history of violation, economic benefit to violator, opportunity for corrective action, good faith efforts to comply, degree of culpability, and other justice considerations.

Authorizes the commission to set, charge, and collect administrative fines and pursue legal action to recover administrative fees, costs, attorney's fees, and damages resulting from violations.