Hawaii · 2025 Regular Session · Bill
SB 543: 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 543 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii Senate on January 17, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO WATER. Primary sponsor: Mike Gabbard (Democratic), AQUINO, Stanley Chang (Democratic), KIDANI. It lists 1 additional sponsor. Most recent recorded action (January 21, 2025): Referred to WTL/EIG, 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.
Part I: Establishes a WAI Policy Coordinator and other positions within the Commission on Water Resource Management for coordination of Red Hill WAI initiatives. Creates the Red Hill Remediation Special Fund. Requires reports to the Legislature, Governor, and Mayor and City Council of the City and County of Honolulu. Appropriates funds. Part II: Allows the Commission of Water Resource Management to retain independent legal counsel. Repeals the position of Deputy to the Chairperson of the Commission and establishes the position of Executive Director of the Commission. Amends the composition of the Commission and administratively attaches it to DLNR. Authorizes entities to challenge an emergency order of the Commission under certain conditions. Establishes fines for certain water use offenses. Amends the Commission's authority to declare water emergencies and issue orders to address them and declare water shortages and related notice requirements. Specifies that the nominating committee of the Commission shall include one person appointed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 3
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Gabbard | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 21 |
| AQUINO | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Stanley Chang | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 9 |
| KIDANI | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Tim Richards | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 4 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Referred to WTL/EIG, WAM/JDC.
- Introduced.
- Passed First Reading.