Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Agriculture and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 1227 entitled:

beg 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 Committees received testimony in favor of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Molokai Irrigation Advisory Board, Coffees of Hawaii, Inc., Molokai Ranch, Hawaiian Research, Holden's Foundation Seeds, two members of the County Council of the County of Maui, and two individuals.

Your Committees find that the Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) is in desperate need of repairs and improvements. Molokai is enduring drought conditions. The water level at MIS is critically low which threatens Molokai's agriculture industry and inhibits any expansion. Water loss at MIS is estimated at 30 per cent and is primarily attributed to its deteriorating structure. Preventing any future water loss is imperative to the recovery of Molokai's agriculture industry. Your Committees find that this measure provides for needed repairs, maintenance, and improvements to MIS that will directly improve its efficiency and aid in stabilizing Molokai's agriculture industry.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture and Hawaiian Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1227 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.