Appropriates funds to maintain two department of agriculture clerk positions at the Molokai Irrigation System.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that department of agriculture services at the Molokai Irrigation System are diminishing to unacceptable levels. There are currently plans to eliminate two important positions at the agricultural resource division servicing the Molokai Irrigation System. The two positions are designated clerk typist positions, however, their duties extended far beyond those of a clerk typist. Due to the further downsizing of the department of agriculture in Molokai, the remaining personnel, including clerk typists, were required to assume several additional duties. This is especially the case at the Molokai Irrigation System. The two positions being funded by this Act have been responsible for providing customer service to two hundred thirty-eight local farmers, including providing personal guidance through department of agriculture requirements, assisting with accounting services, and other services.

If these two positions are eliminated, Molokai farmers will then be required to interact with persons on Oahu to obtain information and services. This imposes additional costs on Molokai farmers. The Molokai agriculture industry is already challenged by the decaying Molokai Irrigation System, department of agriculture downsizing, and market conditions. The legislature finds that it is unwise to eliminate further services at a time when Molokai farmers need the most help.

The purpose of this Act is to continue to fund two positions at the agriculture resource division of the department of agriculture servicing the Molokai Irrigation System.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $40,200, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002, and the same sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003, for the purposes of funding the following department of agriculture positions at the Molokai Irrigation System:

SECTION 3. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001.