HI HB405

Requires the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) to prioritize water use permit applications for public trust purposes over other uses, with separate proceedings for public trust applications

Replaces the position of Deputy to the Chairperson with a new Executive Director position appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the full commission, with annual performance evaluations required

Restructures CWRM composition so the chairperson is elected by commission members rather than automatically being the Board of Land and Natural Resources chairperson; adds Office of Hawaiian Affairs representative to the nominating committee

Grants CWRM authority to declare water emergencies, retain independent legal counsel, and issue emergency orders that can be challenged but must be immediately complied with pending disposition

Increases maximum fines for water code violations from $5,000 to $60,000 per violation, with each day of continuing violation counted as a separate offense; effective July 1, 2025