HI HB315

Establishes a minimum penalty of $50 per violation of the State Water Code, with maximum fines not exceeding $5,000 per violation.

Expands violations subject to penalties to include violations of chapter provisions, adopted rules, commission orders, failure to obtain required permits, and failure to comply with permit conditions.

Defines each day a violation exists or continues as 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 determine specific penalty amounts based on the nature, extent, gravity of violation, violation history, degree of culpability, and other relevant factors.

Authorizes the commission to collect administrative fines, recover administrative fees and costs including attorneys' fees, and bring legal action for damages resulting from water code violations.