Deadline extended for water panel applicants

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is extending its deadline for submission of candidates to serve on its Commission on Water Resource Management to Thursday.

Two seats on the commission have terms set to expire on July 1.

"The seven members of the Water Commission serve to protect the ground and surface water resources of the state," Peter Young, chairman of the commission and DLNR director, said in announcing the deadline extension.

"As the quasi-judicial body for water-related disputes in Hawaii, the commission reviews and addresses key water issues across the state involving water supply and conservation, irrigation and other agricultural uses, and protection of traditional and customary Hawaiian rights," Young said in a release.

Recent activities by the commission include several studies on Maui to determine in-stream flow standards. Other ongoing studies by the commission include storm water reclamation, water conservation, drought mitigation and the development of a model to determine reasonable irrigation water requirements for varying conditions.

The state Water Code, Chapter 174-C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, was put in place by the Legislature in 1987. By law, candidates for the Water Commission are screened by a nominating committee, and recommended names are submitted to the governor for selection.

Members of the commission serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.

Interested parties are asked to send a resume to the Nominating Committee, c/o the Commission on Water Resource Management, P.O. Box 621, Honolulu, HI 96809.