SB 3: RELATING TO WATER.

Authorizes the Commission of Water Resource Management to retain independent legal counsel.  Repeals the position of First Deputy to the Chairperson of the CWRM and establishes the position of Executive Director of the CWRM.  Authorizes entities to challenge an emergency order of the CWRM under certain conditions.  Establishes fines for certain water use offenses.  Amends the CWRM's authority to declare water emergencies and issue orders to address them and declare water shortages and related notice requirements.  Adds the management of groundwater near the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility to the powers and duties of the CWRM.  Transfers all rights, powers, functions, and duties of DLNR relating to water resource management to CWRM.  Effective 7/1/2026, amends the composition of the CWRM, amends the designation of the Chairperson of the CWRM, limits CWRM's placement within the Department of Land and Natural Resources for administrative purposes only, and adds one member to the nominating committee for CWRM, to be appointed and by the Chief Executive Officer of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.