Appropriates funds for the planning of an agricultural park in Royal Kunia. (SD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that expanding farm opportunities in the State is essential for economic development and sustainability. As the demand for urban land development increases, it is vital that the need for agricultural lands be addressed.

To further the expansion of agricultural lands in the State, the department of agriculture has acquired one hundred fifty acres of prime agricultural land in Royal Kunia and has designated it be used for an agricultural park. The agricultural park would serve as a buffer between the urban lands in Kunia and the mauka agricultural lands. Furthermore, the agricultural park would create a barrier with Kunia road to halt the advance of residential developments in the upper Pearl Harbor saddle area.

The legislature finds that the Royal Kunia agricultural park will benefit both agricultural and urban land users and seeks to support its development.

The purpose of this Act is to make an appropriation to the department of agriculture to develop a master plan for an agricultural park in Royal Kunia.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, for the development of a master plan for an agricultural park in Royal Kunia.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.