[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6345879,"mediaKeyId","2247935-3cec89b18840b168c9629f4de7883f07","parentId",2247935,"title","Committee advances, passes and defers a slate of water‑and‑land bills; several measures amended or tabled","audioSeconds",6667,"startMs",6667000,"endMs",-1,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2247935-3cec89b18840b168c9629f4de7883f07&start=6667&end=0","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2247935-3cec89b18840b168c9629f4de7883f07/thumbnail_6667000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6345879/Hawaii/Committee-advances-passes-and-defers-a-slate-of-waterandland-bills-several-measures-amended-or-tabled","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345879-304ed06f83c5172f07089264c76361ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1771053953&Signature=eOGVQS-jTZXtUtYSPYpG9ELBjT0g0S7R7Zqg1moWFcVqfCY5iJuiR63WeWN5S3I4iOOAI5GX~wmbCEjhsL2w~BjAUhEq6qUVNcHeTtQsXRtuK1SjCwjbhbRiXMD-OHA3QSLNZZuqmVHrN~wJ2-49bvY3KuJHImvz0Z8mrvbSM~lZ8eVFHFJCAE1bzDMwfSYq3McWr4e~qYfW6y7F8mjDqdGmCwjKMOtxbOmmyIP6NZj2xKB90G9lF80s6bj79CLX1bF8i~PG~Fo0EuwXXjmMdfvO5Hjl1poq1sNu8UPS10XiP0915TKWB3IfSpuE8iTzojsxOeWYh3J5cUX9gDYAmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","House Committee on Water & Land","date","2025-02-07T09:20:57Z","article","The House Committee on Water & Land completed a decision session on Feb. 6 that produced a mix of pass‑with‑amendment actions, unamended passes and deferrals. The committee made technical edits and set defect dates for many measures.

Key committee actions and outcomes (votes taken or announced at the Feb. 6 decision session):

- HB 347 (goats): Deferred. The chair said there was insufficient support and the measure was deferred; no final vote was recorded.

- HB 1278: Passed with amendments (HD1, technical amendments; defect date changed). The committee chair announced the recommendation to pass with amendments; members recorded affirmative votes. Representative Ichiyama was excused during the vote.

- HB 144 (Mauna Kea stewardship Sunshine exemption): Deferred to Feb. 11, 2025 at 10 a.m. for further work (see separate article for full hearing coverage).

- HB 211 (stream maintenance): Passed with amendments. The chair adopted DLNR’s recommended language changes and added a clarifying change that each county or the state may dispose of certain items removed during stream maintenance; the committee advanced the bill with amendments.

- HB 781 (Wai/Water systems): Passed unamended. Committee advanced the bill as introduced; technical language and defect dates were noted.

- HB 510 (declaration of water shortage and emergency): Passed with HD1 and technical amendments; the committee asked DLNR to work with agricultural interests and noted some members voted with reservations.

- HB 778 (integrated land use study): Passed with amendments. Committee adopted language to incorporate Farm Bureau concerns and made technical edits; defect date set to 07/01/3000 in committee report.

- HB 1503 (disaster recovery data): Deferred. Committee decided to use HB 1181 as a vehicle for overlapping language and deferred 1503 so staff can consolidate language.

- HB 512 (ocean recreation management): Deferred after widespread opposition (see separate article for detail).

- HB 86 (DLNR‑related provisions): Passed with HD1 and technical amendments.

- HB 1181 (coastal zone management and related disaster recovery language): Passed with HD1; committee adopted amendments from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development and will use HB 1181 as the vehicle for related bills.

- HB 649 (small boat harbors): Passed with HD1 after committee agreed to remove a proposed increase in the operator charge percentage and to zero out dollar amounts in the statutory text, with procurement and execution details placed in the committee report. Several members registered no or reservations on this item.

Other procedural notes: the chair announced a pattern of making technical amendments and setting defect dates to July 1, 3000 for multiple bills in the package; committee members frequently asked for follow‑up technical drafting and stakeholder engagement before floor action.

Why it matters: The package affects a broad set of issues — from stream and shoreline management to water shortage rules, small‑boat harbor funding, and land‑use planning — with potential operational impacts for county agencies, agriculture, tourism operators and coastal resource users.

Ending: The committee advanced several bills with amendments, deferred multiple items for redrafting or consolidation, and set deadlines and technical instructions for staff to return with revised language.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","WAL Public Hearing - Thu Feb 6, 2025 @ 9:00 AM HST","oneSentenceSummary","The House Committee on Water & Land on Feb. 6 passed several bills with amendments, deferred multiple measures for redrafting or consolidation, and set technical defect dates; the actions will affect water management, coastal rules, small‑boat harbors and land‑use planning.","taxTitle","House Committee on Water & Land, House of Representatives, Legislative , Hawaii","taxId",25724,"location","Hawaii","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6345884,"Committee tables statewide ocean recreation bill after widespread opposition and permit concerns",2262,5018000,7280000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2247935-3cec89b18840b168c9629f4de7883f07&start=5018&end=7280","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2247935-3cec89b18840b168c9629f4de7883f07/thumbnail_5018000.jpg","/articles/6345884/Hawaii/Committee-tables-statewide-ocean-recreation-bill-after-widespread-opposition-and-permit-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345884-3cb07d7011f4b58e6f352d80538a49e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771053953&Signature=InemD0FtKk5A2Iq2Kh~ZxY6aJiaICTCn5zBNNx59I~oMAoqDL72yH5WB-M7svrlOBy-LQwmpGxmz-KXEH-CG3Le4KobO4kibharzwwQwjM0D5H4bab9-9Ep82YOs8r8kNW-CkBPPZubWp6Ntm-RpjQSkyNCCFKm2UHjoI2AqCeTXpttrCtqFfXU1cOmBuGTIwAjGRQmdD9472U66MLX5d0zSXniXgOgnlPhFdovcrxHgh~HSltocXKaICRfWoohCoR93A03A5zAHoi2We4E65E16bd0SbNczL5xxuNkrcgzrbtES7wbjRFE3~l3SbtK0~KFdnJ7tFvJgSsXCu4NSHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Committee on Water & Land deferred HB 512 after a large number of opponents testified that the bill’s language was vague and could create new regulatory burdens and legal risk for existing commercial ocean‑use permits.

Megan Statz, DLNR’s boating administrator, said the department already uses Ocean Recreation Management Areas (ORMAs) to manage user conflicts in nine designated sites and that the bill would allow the state to treat more areas within 3,000 feet of the shoreline as ORMAs to address commercial use conflicts. “We also have non‑designated areas,” Statz said. “And those non‑designated areas, we really don't have any kind of major regulations in those areas.” She said a statewide framework would help DLNR manage user conflicts more consistently.

Denver (last name withheld in public remarks), testifying for the Ocean Tourism Coalition, urged opposition. He said many existing commercial permits, particularly operators in Kaanapali, potentially face nonrenewal or litigation and that adding broad new statewide authority without explicitly protecting existing permits could harm businesses. “Given the vague language, we are opposed to this measure at the moment,” he said.

A representative for permittees described ongoing litigation over Kaanapali commercial permits and said a court decision could require environmental review for permits issued decades ago, creating uncertainty for companies whose businesses rely on continuity of permits. DLNR staff told members that court matters are separate from ORMA designation but acknowledged the litigation’s potential to affect permit renewals.

The committee deferred HB 512 to allow additional work on language and to address industry concerns; the chair cited the volume of opposition testimony. No floor vote was taken.

Why it matters: The bill would create a broader legal framework for managing ocean recreation and commercial activity that affects public access, marine resources and economic activity in coastal communities. Opponents say existing permits issued decades ago may face new environmental review requirements; supporters say a statewide ORMA framework is needed to manage conflicts consistently.

Ending: The committee deferred HB 512 for further drafting and stakeholder engagement.","HB 512, which would expand the state’s ocean recreation management framework, was deferred after extensive opposition from tourism operators, chambers of commerce and community groups; DLNR said the measure would help manage user conflicts but stakeholders warned of legal and permit risks.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6345888,"Committee advances water‑shortage bill with rulemaking changes after farmers seek protections",5162,1898000,7060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2247935-3cec89b18840b168c9629f4de7883f07&start=1898&end=7060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2247935-3cec89b18840b168c9629f4de7883f07/thumbnail_1898000.jpg","/articles/6345888/Hawaii/Committee-advances-watershortage-bill-with-rulemaking-changes-after-farmers-seek-protections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345888-25815c7fba5f932e437baebee8833ec2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771053953&Signature=H8tlos3AbU6rGJAQ50snzvVjts6DujV81fMS2cDYtS7RXC9b3v2ksB-NY8taQSQPUFN5MxJ1Sz7BenuCK-S1pCl9SgqpqDF62dxKugMHJLTHPaQsNV~H8RbUz6~6WoZGMcZw5lvK2jZ4YG5vVbybfw3SplMzpTABcb~Q6JpC2SpFWaaT1JFH8ahBZ8aAXwQW-5EaPNTXH~mr5Ma62lhoizDN~NfMNd9kA9OPNqAKQK6LSRVkYryJWdpaI2z9fIxWlRaF8x9M5d068BHg6oRC1AtYseASCzOfrexhrjuTTEAY7Cuaj3wyFMreYrC3OdA2MscPiRZ8D7VnMdUaCJJz6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Committee on Water & Land voted to advance HB 510 with an HD1 that the Department of Land and Natural Resources and commission staff helped shape, directing administrative rulemaking to define water‑shortage criteria while increasing public notice and participation.

Kira Kahane, deputy director for the Commission on Water Resource Management in DLNR, explained the bill would move some preparation work for shortage declarations into chapter 91 rulemaking under the Hawaii Administrative Procedure Act so the public has at least 30 days’ notice to participate in setting criteria for shortages. “What we are proposing is to . . . do that by rule making under chapter 91,” Kahane said, adding that the change was intended to provide more community involvement before the commission applies the criteria at a Sunshine Law meeting.

Kathy Mitchell of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply voiced strong support for HB 510. By contrast, Brian Miyamoto of the Hawaii Farm Bureau told the committee the bill raised “uncertain water access for farmers” and could introduce duplicative permitting or unpredictable declarations that would make long‑term agricultural investment riskier.

Kahane said the bill would not create a separate permitting system and that agriculture would be considered in permit classifications. She also noted that temporary shortages sometimes are poorly addressed by designating water management areas and that a separate rule‑based shortage plan could be a better fit.

The committee adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass HB 510 with an HD1 and technical amendments; the chair said the HD1 would add process language and a defect date change. Members recorded some reservations during the vote and asked agriculture stakeholders to continue engagement as the measure proceeds.

Why it matters: HB 510 affects how the state defines and implements water‑shortage responses statewide, including in areas outside designated water management areas. Farmers and ranchers raised concerns about certainty for irrigation and crop production; state water managers said rulemaking will promote public participation in criteria setting.

Ending: The bill advances with an HD1; the committee asked DLNR and agriculture stakeholders to work through classification and notice details before further floor action.","The committee voted to pass HB 510 with amendments directing technical rulemaking steps aimed at widening public notice for water‑shortage criteria while drawing farm concerns about possible restrictions outside designated water management areas.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6345893,"Committee defers bill that would let Mauna Kea authority meet outside Sunshine Law amid transparency concerns",6170,663000,6833000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2247935-3cec89b18840b168c9629f4de7883f07&start=663&end=6833","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2247935-3cec89b18840b168c9629f4de7883f07/thumbnail_663000.jpg","/articles/6345893/Hawaii/Committee-defers-bill-that-would-let-Mauna-Kea-authority-meet-outside-Sunshine-Law-amid-transparency-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345893-31dc2433cf9bd15b914779357a29d88f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771053953&Signature=NAfh07W87VhAht8egzK6ea2NqugVgFHjc8EEWImtvlLsYNq8LxW~78630DkTg0UCbg~XMnZFm6cXOwGkftRFWOsHua1FIyM8b7pxrrQDLl1gyusIHS~BkfrQ1xdzkdEc64ZYsLl2tFyUXQ6OydJGYIamtJpNaQmlERzmv2-xj2FxUZu0q5ZY3NhjBCwCiOljflV5NF4pNe4sXRFWUZ9GpGBkoUJuVeW~NN6OH5fJSzpKXbZ7LU~w0kY~TeRJJKdzI28uBMXMHSPouW5DHea~xlnO176cKNxGzePoMG2PZv2HPfsdnSAozhpJlAPD9qUN8tYnFE~05MI9VO4de6iktw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Committee on Water & Land on Feb. 6 deferred House Bill 144, which would have allowed parts of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority to meet outside the Sunshine Law during its transition period.

Supporters and opponents offered sharply different accounts of the bill’s purpose and effect. The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority said the measure was intended to let its members hold candid operational discussions while they stand up the new agency; opponents said it would exclude the public from decisionmaking and set a dangerous transparency precedent.

Noinoi Wong Wilson, first vice chair of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, told the committee the authority is effectively a start‑up agency that needs to do intensive operational planning. “We are a startup agency,” Wong Wilson said. “We are in the position right now where . . . we cannot have the three of us have a conversation about strategic planning.” She described constraints created by strict readings of the Sunshine Law and said permitted interaction groups and an executive director help but do not fully address the authority’s needs.

Ben Krebs of the Public First Law Center urged the committee to defer or narrow the bill. “The Sunshine Law requirements exist to ensure that the public can observe and engage in the process of decisionmaking,” Krebs said, warning that the bill as written would “cut the public out of the process entirely” and could allow decisions to be developed in private and later ratified in a public meeting.

Bianca Isaki of Kahea — The Hawaiian Environmental Alliance argued the proposal was not narrowly tailored and would undermine transparency. “You can make all the rules that we want about what their guidelines are,” Isaki said. “But because if sunshine doesn't apply . . . they can really just talk about anything, and we won't know.”

Other testifiers, including Helanie Sonora Pale of Kalahui Hawaii and a community speaker who identified themself as Kimmer Nahonu Course and Big Horse, said the authority should be given more time for transition rather than a statutory exemption from Sunshine Law obligations and that the public must be able to observe deliberations that affect cultural sites and public trust resources.

Committee members pressed the authority’s representatives on alternatives. Representative Shulman and others proposed procedural fixes — longer public meetings, explicit prohibitions on negotiating leases in exempt sessions, recording or posting discussions, or expanding the transition period so deliberations could occur in noticed public meetings. Wong Wilson indicated the authority has tried narrow permitted‑interaction groups and extensive public meetings but that those tools have proven slow and operationally insufficient for day‑to‑day problem solving.

The Office of Information Practices and several community groups filed written comments opposing the bill; Public First Law Center said it had offered narrower language that the authority did not adopt.

Chair Mark Asham and Vice Chair Rochelle Lamasal announced the committee would defer HB 144 for further work; the committee appointed a time certain for continued decision making. The vice chair said the bill was deferred to Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at 10 a.m.

Why it matters: The bill addresses the tension between the authority’s stated need to organize and the public’s interest in open government where decisions affect a culturally significant site. Opponents argued a statutory Sunshine exemption would create precedent that could be invoked by other bodies; supporters said narrow operational discussions are needed so the authority can function.

The committee deferred the measure for additional drafting and stakeholder consultation; lawmakers and advocates signaled continued engagement ahead of the next hearing.

Ending: The committee did not take a final vote on HB 144; it will revisit the bill on Feb. 11, 2025, at 10 a.m.","The House Committee on Water & Land deferred HB 144 after hours of testimony from the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, cultural and conservation groups, and legal advocates who warned the bill would limit public oversight by suspending Sunshine Law requirements for parts of the authority’s transition period.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee advances, passes and defers a slate of water‑and‑land bills; several measures amended or tabled

Committee tables statewide ocean recreation bill after widespread opposition and permit concerns

Committee advances water‑shortage bill with rulemaking changes after farmers seek protections

Committee defers bill that would let Mauna Kea authority meet outside Sunshine Law amid transparency concerns