SB 543 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO WATER.

Summary
Part I: Establishes a WAI Policy Coordinator and other positions within the Commission on Water Resource Management for coordination of Red Hill WAI initiatives. Creates the Red Hill Remediation Special Fund. Requires reports to the Legislature, Governor, and Mayor and City Council of the City and County of Honolulu. Appropriates funds. Part II: Allows the Commission of Water Resource Management to retain independent legal counsel. Repeals the position of Deputy to the Chairperson of the Commission and establishes the position of Executive Director of the Commission. Amends the composition of the Commission and administratively attaches it to DLNR. Authorizes entities to challenge an emergency order of the Commission under certain conditions. Establishes fines for certain water use offenses. Amends the Commission's authority to declare water emergencies and issue orders to address them and declare water shortages and related notice requirements. Specifies that the nominating committee of the Commission shall include one person appointed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 17, 2025 Last action Jan 21, 2026
Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Jan 21, 2026
Committee
Re-Referred to WLA/EIG, WAM/JDC.
upper
Jan 21, 2025
Committee
Referred to WTL/EIG, WAM/JDC.
upper
Jan 17, 2025
Introduced
Introduced.
upper
4 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors