The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Commission on Water Resource Management is concerned about reports of streams on all major islands that have been illegally diverted, which has exacerbated low rainfall conditions this year.

The state water code authorizes the commission to require permits for stream alterations and diversions to protect fishery, wildlife, recreational, aesthetic, scenic and other beneficial uses, the commission said.

Violators can be fined up to $5,000, and each day the offense is committed can be counted as a separate violation, the commission said.

In addition, permits or other conditions may be required or imposed by other county, state or federal agencies, the commission said.

"With a few exceptions, rainfall totals on all islands in the state have been well below normal since the beginning of 2007," said Ken Kawahara, Water Commission deputy director. "... Especially during this period of drought conditions, we strongly encourage water conservation. Water is a public trust resource and all residents, businesses, private and public agencies must do their part by not wasting water and being conscious of how much water they are using."

Most of Hawai'i's streams are supplied by rainfall. But with rainfall about half of normal, flows have been reduced accordingly, the commission said.