STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2575

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2373

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Water and Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 2373 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO IRRIGATION,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize the Director of Finance to issue general obligation bonds to finance capital improvements to various irrigation systems in the State.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Ulupono Initiative; Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; and Local Food Coalition.

Your Committees find that reliable irrigation systems are the lifelines of Hawaii's agricultural community. To ensure that the State's agricultural crops receive a steady and dependable supply of water, irrigation systems need to be repaired, properly maintained, and improved to meet agricultural water requirements and to address extended water droughts. According to testimony received by your Committees, this measure will ensure a reliable source of water for state farmers and ranchers to grow crops and raise livestock efficiently, thereby helping the State reach its goals to increase local food production and reduce reliance on imports.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Water and Land that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2373 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Water and Land,

________________________________ LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair

________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair