Hawaii Administrative Rules
Title 11 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Subtitle 1 - GENERAL DEPARTMENTAL PROVISIONS
Chapter 54 - WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
Section 11-54-3 - Classification of water uses
Current through February, 2024
(a) The following use categories classify inland and marine waters for purposes of applying the standards set forth in this chapter, and for the selection or definition of appropriate quality parameters and uses to be protected in these waters. Storm water discharge into State waters shall be allowed provided it meets the requirements specified in this section and the basic water quality criteria specified in section 11-54-4.
(b) Inland waters.
It is the objective of class 1 waters that these waters remain in their natural state as nearly as possible with an absolute minimum of pollution from any human-caused source. To the extent possible, the wilderness character of these areas shall be protected. Waste discharge into these waters is prohibited, except as provided in section 11-54-4 (e) . Any conduct which results in a demonstrable increase in levels of point or nonpoint source contamination in class 1 waters is prohibited.
The uses to be protected in class l.a waters are scientific and educational purposes, protection of native breeding stock, baseline references from which human-caused changes can be measured, compatible recreation, aesthetic enjoyment, and other nondegrading uses which are compatible with the protection of the ecosystems associated with waters of this class;
The uses to be protected in class l.b waters are domestic water supplies, food processing, protection of native breeding stock, the support and propagation of aquatic life, baseline references from which human-caused changes can be measured, scientific and educational purposes, compatible recreation, and aesthetic enjoyment. Public access to these waters may be restricted to protect drinking water supplies;
The objective of class 2 waters is to protect their use for recreational purposes, the support and propagation of aquatic life, agricultural and industrial water supplies, shipping, and navigation. The uses to be protected in this class of waters are all uses compatible with the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, and with recreation in and on these waters. These waters shall not act as receiving waters for any discharge which has not received the best degree of treatment or control compatible with the criteria established for this class. No new treated sewage discharges shall be permitted within estuaries. No new industrial discharges shall be permitted within estuaries, with the exception of:
(c) Marine waters.
It is the objective of class AA waters that these waters remain in their natural pristine state as nearly as possible with an absolute minimum of pollution or alteration of water quality from any human-caused source or actions. To the extent practicable, the wilderness character of these areas shall be protected. No zones of mixing shall be permitted in this class:
The uses to be protected in this class of waters are oceanographic research, the support and propagation of shellfish and other marine life, conservation of coral reefs and wilderness areas, compatible recreation, and aesthetic enjoyment. The classification of any water area as Class AA shall not preclude other uses of the waters compatible with these objectives and in conformance with the criteria applicable to them;
It is the objective of class A waters that their use for recreational purposes and aesthetic enjoyment be protected. Any other use shall be permitted as long as it is compatible with the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, and with recreation in and on these waters. These waters shall not act as receiving waters for any discharge which has not received the best degree of treatment or control compatible with the criteria established for this class. No new sewage discharges will be permitted within embayments. No new industrial discharges shall be permitted within embayments, with the exception of:
(d) Marine bottom ecosystems.
It is the objective of class I marine bottom ecosystems that they remain as nearly as possible in their natural pristine state with an absolute minimum of pollution from any human-induced source. Uses of marine bottom ecosystems in this class are passive human uses without intervention or alteration, allowing the perpetuation and
preservation of the marine bottom in a most natural state, such as for nonconsumptive scientific research (demonstration, observation or monitoring only), nonconsumptive education, aesthetic enjoyment, passive activities, and preservation;
It is the objective of class II marine bottom ecosystems that their use for protection including propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, and for recreational purposes not be limited in any way. The uses to be protected in this class of marine bottom ecosystems are all uses compatible with the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, and with recreation. Any action which may permanently or completely modify, alter, consume, or degrade marine bottoms, such as structural flood control channelization(dams); landfill and reclamation; navigational structures (harbors, ramps); structural shore protection {seawalls, revetments); and wastewater effluent outfall structures may be allowed upon securing approval in writing from the director, considering the environmental impact and the public interest pursuant to sections 342D-4, 342D-5, 342D-6, and 342D-50, HRS in accordance with the applicable provisions of chapter 91, HRS.
