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Bill Summary · SB 366

Legislative bill overview

SB 366 addresses stream maintenance procedures in Hawaii, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the available legislative record. The bill was introduced by Senators Karl Rhoads, Sharon Moriwaki, and Mike Gabbard and received a public hearing before being deferred by the Water, Land, and Hawaiian Homes Committee (WTL) in February 2025. It was subsequently carried over to the 2026 regular session without passage.

Why is this important

Stream maintenance in Hawaii affects water rights allocation, agricultural operations, flood control, and ecosystem health—all critical issues in a state with limited freshwater resources and competing water demands between agriculture, municipalities, and environmental preservation. The deferral and carryover suggest the measure raised concerns requiring further deliberation or had insufficient support to advance in the 2025 session.

Potential points of contention

  • Water allocation priorities: Balancing maintenance needs with existing water rights claims from agriculture, residences, and native Hawaiian traditional uses
  • Environmental vs. practical concerns: Distinguishing legitimate maintenance from activities that could damage stream ecosystems or alter native habitat
  • Implementation costs and responsibility: Determining whether costs fall on private landowners, the state, or benefiting water users

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

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