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HB 306

RELATING TO STATE WATER CODE PENALTIES.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tina Grandinetti and 8 co-sponsors

HB 306 adjusts State Water Code penalties in Hawaii, creating enforcement mechanism changes that stalled between House-Senate disagreement before 2026 carryover.

Recommitted to Conference committee as amended in CD 1 with none voting no and Representative(s) Ratcliffe excused.
#cwrm #penalties #statewatercode
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Bill Summary · HB 306

Legislative bill overview

HB 306 modifies penalties under Hawaii's State Water Code, though the specific penalty changes are not detailed in the provided legislative history. The bill progressed through multiple amendments between the House and Senate before being carried over to the 2026 session, indicating substantive disagreement between chambers on the final language.

Why this is important

Water code enforcement is critical for Hawaii's fragile island ecosystem and public access to water resources. Adjusting penalties affects how strictly the state can enforce water regulations against violations, potentially impacting groundwater protection, stream management, and agricultural water use—issues with significant economic and environmental consequences for the islands.

Potential points of contention

  • Penalty severity and enforcement deterrence: Disagreement likely centers on whether proposed penalties are sufficient to deter violations or if they're excessive and threaten legitimate water users
  • Agricultural vs. environmental priorities: Hawaii's water code balances farm irrigation needs with environmental protection; penalty changes may favor one sector over another
  • Regulatory burden on small operators: Unclear whether penalties apply uniformly or include exemptions for small-scale water users, which could affect rural communities differently than commercial operations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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