Hawaii · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 3: RELATING TO WATER.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 3 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii Senate on January 8, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO WATER. Primary sponsor: Lorraine Inouye (Democratic), Stanley Chang (Democratic), Carol Fukunaga (Democratic), Troy Hashimoto (Democratic), Angus McKelvey (Democratic). It lists 1 additional sponsor. Most recent recorded action (December 8, 2025): Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Establishes a public trust purpose for the Commission on Water Resource Management. Allows the Commission on Water Resource Management to retain independent counsel. Repeals the First Deputy to the Chairperson of the Commission on Water Resource Management. Establishes the Executive Director of the Commission on Water Resource Management. Administratively attaches the Commission on Water Resource Management to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Authorizes members of the Commission on Water Resource Management to be eligible to serve as chairperson. Requires the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources and Director of Health to serve as ex officio voting members ineligible to serve as chairperson. Authorizes entities to whom an emergency order is directed to challenge the order under certain conditions. Clarifies the notification requirements and contents of declarations of water shortages. Establishes fines. Makes conforming amendments. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 5 · Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lorraine Inouye | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 1 |
| Stanley Chang | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 9 |
| Carol Fukunaga | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 11 |
| Troy Hashimoto | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 5 |
| Angus McKelvey | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 6 |
| Kurt Fevella | Co-sponsor | Republican | Senate | 20 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
- Reported from WTL/PSM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 376) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC/WAM.
- Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC/WAM.
- The committee(s) on WTL recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WTL were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Inouye, Elefante, Chang, McKelvey, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
- The committee(s) on PSM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in PSM were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Elefante, Wakai, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Fukunaga, Rhoads.
- The committee(s) on WTL/PSM has scheduled a public hearing on 02-03-25 1:05PM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
- Referred to WTL/PSM, JDC/WAM.
- Introduced and passed First Reading.
- Pending Introduction.