Appropriates funds for planning and construction of the Honomalino Irrigation System and to prepare the Agricultural Water Use and Development Plan. (HB954 HD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

PART I

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that macadamia nut farms and other small, diversified farms of the South Kona region are susceptible to long droughts that cause major crop damage, wreaking havoc on the South Kona economy, which is heavily dependent on macadamia nut production. Without a reliable agricultural water system, crops will continue to suffer, aggravating the adverse economic impact of drought conditions for the region.

In response to this threat, the legislature appropriated approximately $18,800,000 in capital improvement projects during the regular session of 2002 for irrigation systems statewide, including plans for the South Kona Honomalino ditch system. Initial planning stages of this project have indicated a viable benefit-to-cost ratio.

The purpose of this part is to appropriate funds for planning and construction of the Honomalino irrigation system to prevent crop losses in the South Kona region of the island of Hawaii.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006 for planning and construction of the Honomalino irrigation system in Kona, Hawaii.

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

PART II

SECTION 3. The legislature finds that the state water code requires the department of agriculture to prepare a comprehensive agricultural water use and development plan.

The purpose of this part is to appropriate funds for a comprehensive state agricultural water use and development plan.

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006 to prepare the agricultural water use and development plan.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this part. This project is deemed necessary to qualify for federal aid financing or reimbursement.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.