STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1080

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 735

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 735, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE DISPOSITION OF WATER RIGHTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish that the public auction requirement for the disposition of water rights shall not be required for a lease of water for commercial kalo cultivation.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Hawai‘i Youth Food Council. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that kalo is a significant staple crop to the people of Hawai‘i for its nutritional density and cultural properties. Your Committee believes that increased kalo production will allow for a greater cultural connection to traditional Hawaiian customs. However, the existing water leasing process imposes burdensome requirements on water lease applicants, especially smaller agricultural users such as kalo farmers. This measure will promote kalo production and reduce uncertainty for applicants by exempting water leases for commercial taro cultivation from the public auction requirement.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 735, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

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KARL RHOADS, Chair