Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land, and Agriculture, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 124, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to provide prior authorization to the Board of Land and Natural Resources for the disposition of water rights made by lease at a public auction for nonconsumptive purposes, as required under Hawaii law.

Testimony in support of this measure was received from the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. Offering comments on the measure was the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committee finds that under Hawaii law, in order for the Board of Land and Natural Resources to issue a lease of water rights for hydropower production purposes, prior authorization by the Legislature by concurrent resolution is required. This measure satisfies this requirement by authorizing the Board of Land and Natural Resources to issue a lease of water rights to Kauai Island Utility Cooperative for hydropower production purposes.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, and Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 124, H.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.