HAR §13-167-23. Dispute resolution

(a) The commission shall have jurisdiction statewide to hear any dispute regarding water resource protection, water permits, or constitutionally or otherwise legally protected water interests, or where there is insufficient water to meet competing needs for water, whether or not the area involved has been designated as a water management area under this title. The final decision on any matter shall be made by the commission. (b) Pursuant to its authority to resolve disputes regarding water, the commission may accept for consideration and decision: (1) cases or controversies referred to it by a court; or (2) questions certified to it by a court. (c) To resolve disputes properly before it, the commission shall have all the powers necessary and proper to effectuate its decisions and orders and grant relief consistent with law. (d) In order to facilitate dispute resolutions, the commission may employ the use of special hearing officers or special masters for the purposes of mediation, fact finding, and/or arbitration. [Eff. MAY 27 1988] (Auth: HRS §174C-8) (Imp: HRS §§92-17, 174C-10, 174C-11)