Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2753 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for the continued operation and maintenance of the east Kauai irrigation system.

Your Committee finds that after Amfac Sugar Company ceased operating the east Kauai irrigation system in 2001, the East Kauai Water Users' Cooperative was formed to continue operations of the state-owned system. The system provides water for a variety of purposes, including farmers in the Kapaa area, the Fern Grotto, a popular tourist destination, and the Wailua reservoir, which feeds water into public fishing areas, campgrounds and an educational center for children. Despite user fees charged to system patrons, the system is in need of financial assistance.

This bill would provide the necessary funds to assist the East Kauai Water Users' Cooperative to operate and maintain the system for the benefit of the Kauai community.

Your Committee has amended the bill by:

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2753, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2753, S.D. 1.