Appropriates funds to create a master plan for a 150-acre parcel mauka of the Royal Kunia residential development on the island of Oahu. (SD2)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. In an agreement between the land use commission, a developer, and a landowner, approximately one hundred and fifty acres of land was dedicated to the State as one condition in a reclassification of the former Oahu Sugar plantation lands to urban use. The land dedicated to the State will be used as a buffer between the makai Royal Kunia residential development and the mauka agricultural uses in Kunia to stop the advancement of residential properties in the Pearl Harbor saddle area.

However, this new buffer area will not only create a barrier, it will also provide an opportunity to expand farming opportunities on prime agricultural lands. The legislature recognizes the important role of agriculture to Hawaii's economy, and opening this parcel to agricultural use will provide economic diversity and protect important agricultural lands located in the Royal Kunia area on the island of Oahu.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to prepare a master plan for the newly acquired one hundred fifty-acre parcel.

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, to develop a master plan for the one hundred fifty-acre agricultural park mauka of the Royal Kunia residential development on the island of Oahu.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.