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HCR 197

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO CLARIFY THE PURPOSE OF THE COMMISSION ON WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND DETERMINE WHETHER THE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF THE COMMISSION SHOULD BE AMENDED.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Hashem

Hawaii requests a DLNR working group review the state Water Resource Management Commission's purpose, leadership structure, and composition to determine needed amendments.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 426).
#cwrm #dlnr #workinggroup
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Bill Summary · HCR 197

Legislative bill overview

HCR 197 is a resolution requesting that Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) establish a working group to examine the Commission on Water Resource Management's purpose, leadership structure, and organizational composition. The resolution does not mandate changes but rather calls for a formal review and assessment of whether amendments are needed.

Why is this important

Water resource management is critical to Hawaii's sustainability, agriculture, and public health. Clarifying the Commission's role and potentially restructuring its leadership could improve decision-making efficiency, accountability, and stakeholder representation in managing Hawaii's limited freshwater resources—an issue affecting farmers, residents, and environmental conservation.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of reform: Unclear whether the working group's recommendations will lead to binding changes or remain advisory, potentially limiting the resolution's practical impact
  • Stakeholder representation: Questions about who will be included in the working group and whether agricultural, environmental, and community interests will have adequate voice in deliberations
  • Timeline and funding: No specified deadline or budget allocation for the working group, raising concerns about whether this becomes a low-priority study that stalls implementation

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

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