Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 1227 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds and make an appropriation for repairs, maintenance, and improvements to the Molokai irrigation system.

Your Committee finds that continuing drought conditions have plagued Molokai's irrigation system and its deteriorating condition threatens that island's agriculture industry. In recent years Molokai has produced sweet potatoes, melons, cabbages, and other vegetables and fruit to make it Oahu's breadbasket. However, if water cannot be brought to the fields due to lack of expansion and repair of the Molokai irrigation system, these agricultural efforts cannot be sustained.

Your Committee has amended this bill by changing the dollar amounts on page 3 to blank amounts to further discussion of this issue. Additionally, technical, nonsubstantive changes have been made in keeping with proper drafting style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1227, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1227, S.D. 1.