Hawaii · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 503: RELATING TO DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 503 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii Senate on January 17, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY. Primary sponsor: Tim Richards (Democratic), Stanley Chang (Democratic), Kurt Fevella (Republican), Troy Hashimoto (Democratic), Angus McKelvey (Democratic). It lists 1 additional sponsor. Most recent recorded action (January 21, 2026): Re-Referred to WLA/CPN, WAM/JDC.
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.
Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to incorporate into their assessment process the possession of dam insurance or the active seeking of dam insurance by private dam owners, as part of their valid mitigation strategies, in conjunction with approved modifications or repairs. Authorizes the DLNR to relax any restrictions and stringent standards on a dam or appurtenance upon verification of certain insurance coverage. Authorizes the DLNR to consider a dam, reservoir, or appurtenance is safe absent certain documents. Shifts the burden of proof to the DLNR to find that a dam is categorized as high-risk. Establishes additional requirements for the DLNR and Board of Land and Natural Resources regarding the Dam and Appurtenance Improvement or Removal Grant Program.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 5 · Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Richards | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 4 |
| Stanley Chang | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 9 |
| Kurt Fevella | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 20 |
| Troy Hashimoto | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 5 |
| Angus McKelvey | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 6 |
| Carol Fukunaga | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 11 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Re-Referred to WLA/CPN, WAM/JDC.
- Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
- Referred to WTL/CPN, WAM/JDC.
- Introduced.
- Passed First Reading.