Emergency appropriation ($1,600,000) for FY 2005-2006 to assist iin the purchase and preservation of Waimea Valley, Oahu.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. This Act is recommended by the governor for immediate passage in accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Constitution of the State of Hawaii.

SECTION 2. The purpose of this Act is to make an emergency appropriation of $1,600,000 to assist in the purchase and preservation of Waimea Valley, Oahu.

SECTION 3. The legislature finds that it is in the best interests of the public for the consortium of government agencies and nonprofit organizations to purchase Waimea Valley for the purpose of preserving one of the most treasured ahupua`a for future generations. Waimea Valley has been designated as conservation land due to its rich cultural sites, and abundance of native plants, stream animals and wildlife. The valley is considered an archaeological landscape because of the high frequency and density of archaeological and cultural sites.

Given the State's limited resources, the legislature acknowledges that financing the purchase of lands rich in natural and cultural resources for the benefit of the public is best achieved through collaborative arrangements with and other government agencies and nonprofit organizations. The State recently participated in negotiations that resulted in an agreement to purchase the valley for $14,000,000. The respective shares of the consortium participants are: United States Army - $3,500,000, Office of Hawaiian Affairs - $2,900,000, State Department of Land and Natural Resources - $1,600,000, City and County of Honolulu - $5,000,000, and National Audubon Society - $1,000,000.

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,600,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, for fiscal year 2005-2006 for the purpose of purchasing Waimea Valley, Oahu. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.