Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred H.B. No. 2776 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to support agricultural infrastructure in Hawaii by authorizing general obligation (GO) bonds and appropriating funds as follows:

(2) $3,505,000 for the East Kauai Irrigation System;

(3) $4,850,000 for the Waimea Irrigation System; and

(4) $2,000,000 for the Molokai Irrigation System.

The County of Kauai's Department of Water, East Kauai Water Users' Cooperative, Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Maui County Farm Bureau, Kauai County Farm Bureau, Meadow Gold Dairies, Saiva Siddhanta Church, and C&H Farms supported this bill. The Agribusiness Development Corporation and the Department of Land and Natural Resources supported the intent of this measure. Earthjustice, Sierra Club, Hawaii Chapter, and Hanalei Watershed Hui opposed this bill.

Your Committee recognizes that water is the lifeblood of agriculture. A stable, reliable source of water is critical in ensuring that our farms and ranches remain healthy and vibrant. Your Committee notes that other agricultural irrigation systems on Oahu and the island of Hawaii are also in need of repair and maintenance.

Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

(A) $500,000 for the Waimanalo Irrigation System; and

(B) $1,700,000 for the Lower Hamakua Irrigation System;

and

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2776, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2776, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Finance.