Section 13-171-14 - Existing uses(a) All existing uses of water in a designated water management area, except those exempted from regulation by this chapter, may be continued after July 1, 1987, only with a permit issued in accordance with sections 13-171-12, 13-171-13, 13-171-15, and 13-171-17 through 13-171-21.(b) Whether the existing use is a reasonable-beneficial use and is allowable under the common law of the State shall be determined by the commission after a hearing; provided that even if the commission finds that the existing use is not allowable under the common law of the state, such finding of itself shall not constitute a bar to the granting of the permit. The commission may make such a determination without a hearing, if the quantity of water applied for does not exceed 25,000 gallons per month or if the quantity of water applied for exceeds said amount per month, but no objection to the application is filed by any person having standing to file an objection. In determining whether an application does not exceed the amount per month set forth in this section, the commission shall consider an average of water use over the three-month period immediately preceding the filing of the application.(c) Two or more existing uses of water are deemed to be competing when they draw water from the same hydrologically controllable area and the aggregate quantity of water consumed by the users exceeds the appropriate sustainable yield or instream flow standards established pursuant to law for the area. If applications are made to continue existing uses which are competing and the uses otherwise meet the requirements of subchapter 3, the commission shall hold a hearing to determine the quantity of water that may be consumed and the conditions to be imposed on each existing use.[Eff. MAY 27, 1988] (Auth: HRS § 174C-8) (Imp: HRS §§ 174C-5, 174C-50, 174C-71)