Water Resources Protection Plan

Townscape is contracted by the State Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) to update the Water Resource Protection Plan (WRPP), which, as a major element of the overall Hawaiʻi Water Plan, has the objective of protecting statewide public trust water resources and uses, watersheds, and natural stream environments.

The current update includes an analysis of water resources; regulatory programs; future water uses and their impacts; and a description of programs to conserve, augment, and protect water resources. Stakeholder consultation with water resource professionals, cultural practitioners, and the general public provided valuable insight into data and program gaps. The new update provides a 5-year ACTION PLAN for CWRM and its staff, including actions that address critical water resources planning issues, such as water rights for traditional and customary cultural practices and the need to adapt to climate change.