STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2824

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2951

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2951, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE EAST KAUAI IRRIGATION SYSTEM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys to the Agribusiness Development Corporation for maintenance of and improvements to the East Kauai Irrigation System, including the establishment of positions to implement the maintenance and improvements.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Agribusiness Development Corporation; County of Kauai; County of Kauai Office of Economic Development; ADC; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council; Hawaii Farm Bureau; Hawaii Farmers Union; Kauai Chamber; Kalepa Koalition; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Local Food Coalition; Saiva Siddhanta Church; Ulupono Initiative; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that the East Kauai Irrigation System is critical for agricultural production in Hawaii, and that the system is relied upon by numerous farmers and ranchers. Your Committee also finds that the system is a critical source of water for land held by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. Your Committee further finds that the East Kauai Irrigation System is a century-old system that requires repair, renovation, and improvements. Your Committee therefore believes that it is necessary to provide funding for the Agribusiness Development Corporation to assume responsibility for the system.

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. 2951, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair