HI SB145

Requires the Commission on Water Resource Management to formulate water shortage plans and permit classification systems through formal rulemaking, allowing stakeholder participation in the process

Expands the commission's authority to declare water shortages in areas both within and outside designated water management areas, including jurisdiction over well and stream diversion works owners and operators

Mandates that criteria for determining water shortages include impacts and effects of the climate crisis

Updates public notice requirements to include publication on the commission's website and extends newspaper publication from weekly to monthly after four months, with notices remaining online until the declaration is rescinded

Requires permittee notifications to be sent by both regular mail and electronic mail (if email address is known) when permit conditions change or restrictions are imposed during water shortages