"The ideal candidate should have substantial experience or expertise in traditional Hawaiian water resource management techniques as well as traditional Hawaiian riparian usage," Ken Kawahara, Deputy to the Water Commission, said in a released statement. "We are looking for nominees with substantial experience in the area of water resource management."

The Commission on Water Resource Management is composed of seven members who have jurisdiction and final authority on matters relating to implementation and administration of the State Water Code.

Five members are appointed by the governor, who selects nominees from a list submitted by a nominating committee. Nominees are subject to confirmation by the state Senate. Other members by law are the chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, who serves as chairperson of the Commission on Water Resource Management, and the director of the Department of Health. Members serve without pay except for reimbursement for expenses, including travel, necessary to do the job.