Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Agriculture and Water, Land, Energy and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 877 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 the final phase of the Upcountry Kula, Maui Watershed Project for a pipeline from Omaopio Tank to Keokea.

Your Committees received testimony in favor of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Department of Water Supply of Maui County, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Maui County Farm Bureau, Pineapple Growers Association of Hawaii, Maui Farmers' Cooperative Exchange, Island Flower Designs, Maui Flower Growers Association, four members of the County Council of Maui County, and one individual.

Your Committees find that Maui's agriculture industry is in need of additional and affordable water sources. The inadequate and inconsistent water supply prevents full utilization of cropland and causes crop damage and losses during drought. Your Committees find that completion of the final phase will deliver non-potable water to more Maui agricultural land, thus increasing water availability and decreasing the cost of irrigation water on Maui.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture and Water, Land, Energy and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 877 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.