The State of Hawaii is known for being one of the most beautiful places in the country. With its lush and verdant landscapes bustling with life from native species, it is no wonder that people are attracted to Hawaii the way butterflies are drawn to flowers. But along with this comes the danger of overpopulating this island state. One of the first indications of the setbacks that the environment of Hawaii is facing is the condition of the water resources.
Protecting the water is quite significant because it is not without truth that the statement that water sustains life is made. It is not just important for the maintenance of the biodiversity found within the island but it is also important for sustaining the residents of Hawaii. If the water quality is bad, then there will be a shortage in drinking water, causing extreme problems. In addition to this, the quality of the water will also have a direct effect on the overall appeal of the state to investors.
To combat this problem of a deteriorating water quality, the legislature of Hawaii has had to step in and formulate specific laws to protect the state's water resources. It all began with the statement in the Constitutional Convention of the state of where it was said that there was an obligation to protect the water resources for the sake of the people. Specifically indicating its importance means that further laws had to be enacted for the policy to be implemented.
Because of this mandate of the Constitutional Convention, the Commission on Water Resource management was created. It was formally given the power to function with the enactment of the State Water Code. Under this particular law, the rules and requirements related to water resources were clearly specified. It is the Commission which is tasked with implementing the rules set by the Water Code through the education of the public as well as reformation of the rules itself when needed.
Enacted in 1987, the Water Code of Hawaii was specifically formulated to protect the water resources of the state. It was made with the specific knowledge that water resources are vital to development of the state. Administrative rules are also formulated. These rules support the water move to protect the water resources by giving definitions and requirements which are required but not yet specified by law. These administrative rules are constantly evolving in response to the needs established by the implementation of the Water Code.
It is significant that the legislature is doing its part for the protection of the water in the State. Hawaii is an example to other areas that suffer the same problems when it comes to the environment and its water supply. Change cannot occur without the cooperation of different sectors of the community. As part of the governance of the state, a large responsibility falls into the laps of the legislative body through the need of enacting laws for environmental protection.
Beth Olignerf writes about floods and water damage problem. See:
http://www.localrestorations.com/Hawaii
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