Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water, Land, and Agriculture, to which was referred S.B. No. 954 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

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

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Agribusiness Development Corporation, East Kauai Water Users' Cooperative, Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Kauai Cattlemen's Association, and Kauai County Farm Bureau. Testimony in opposition to this measure was submitted by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Your Committee finds that in 2002, the East Kauai Water Users' Cooperative took over operations of the East Kauai irrigation system. However, income from users is insufficient to pay for the day-to-day operation and maintenance expenses of the system. This measure appropriates funds to supplement the Cooperative's income for the operation and maintenance of the East Kauai irrigation system and help facilitate the development of diversified agriculture in Kapaa, Kauai.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water, Land, and Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 954 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.