(a) The legislature declares it to be necessary for the public health and welfare that water and water related resources be conserved and protected. The acquisition of real property for this objective shall constitute a public purpose for which public funds may be expended.

Terms Used In Hawaii Revised Statutes 174C-14

  • Commission: means the commission on water resource management. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 174C-3
  • Devise: To gift property by will.
  • Gift: A voluntary transfer or conveyance of property without consideration, or for less than full and adequate consideration based on fair market value.
  • Lease: A contract transferring the use of property or occupancy of land, space, structures, or equipment in consideration of a payment (e.g., rent). Source: OCC
  • Real property: Land, and all immovable fixtures erected on, growing on, or affixed to the land.
  • Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
  • Well: means an artificial excavation or opening into the ground, or an artificial enlargement of a natural opening by which ground water is drawn or is or may be used or can be made to be usable to supply reasonable and beneficial uses within the State. See Hawaii Revised Statutes 174C-3
(b) The commission may acquire real property and easements by purchase, gift, devise, lease, eminent domain, or otherwise for flood control, water management, or water and water-related resource conservation.
(c) Land, water areas, and related resources which may be acquired for this purpose include, but are not limited to, streams and other watercourses, parks and recreation areas, beaches, submerged lands, and other open areas, as well as necessary access sites and rights-of-way.
(d) This section does not limit the exercise of similar powers delegated by statute to any state or local government agency. This section is not intended to limit, in any way, the powers of the commission in regards to the acquisition of real property under any other statute.