STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1482

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 632

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 632, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WATER INFRASTRUCTURE LOANS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to expand access to and use of the Hawaii Water Infrastructure Loan Program.

     Specifically, the measure:

     (1)  Makes water utilities eligible to use the loan program; and

     (2)  Allows water tanks to be financed by loan program moneys.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, City and County of Honolulu Board of Water Supply, Ulupono Initiative, and Hawaii Farm Bureau.

     Your Committee finds that expanding the Hawaii Water Infrastructure Loan Program to assist water utilities will provide an additional means of financing for waterworks projects, and the potential cost savings from lower interest rates is expected to help keep water rates affordable for water utility customers.

     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 H.B. No. 632, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

JILL N. TOKUDA, Chair