HRS §174C-54
How the water commission picks between competing requests
When two or more water use applications conflict because there is not enough water for all of them, the commission first tries to share the water so both can be served. If sharing is not possible, it approves the application that best serves the public interest.
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The statute, as written — Competing applications
If two or more applications which otherwise comply with section 174C-49 are pending for a quantity of water that is inadequate for both or all, or which for any other reason are in conflict, the commission shall first, seek to allocate water in such a manner as to accommodate both applications if possible; second, if mutual sharing is not possible, then the commission shall approve that application which best serves the public interest.
Sections this one refers to
§174C-49 What you must show to get a water permit
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