Report Title:

Molokai Irrigation System; Repairs and Improvements

 

Description:

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates funds for repairs, maintenance, and improvements to the Molokai Irrigation System.

 

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

1227

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2001

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR REPAIRS, MAINTENANCE, AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MOLOKAI IRRIGATION SYSTEM.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the Molokai Irrigation System has been severely neglected. The Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) uses water from the Waikolu Valley watershed and drains into the Kualapu'u Reservoir. It was designed to serve up to 17,640 acres of farm land in Molokai's arid Ho'olehua plain, most of which is owned by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and to have a capacity of 21 million gallons of water per day. Presently, however, the MIS transmits less than 4 million gallons per day which limits the production and growth of Molokai's agriculture industry and overall economy.

The legislature finds that the inefficiency of the MIS is attributed to the lack of maintenance and repairs. Water loss due to its deteriorating structure is estimated at 30 per cent. Molokai continues to endure drought conditions and prevention of further water loss is critical to the recovery of Molokai's agriculture industry.

The appropriations provided in this Act will be expended to repair, replace, and maintain integral components of the MIS that will directly improve the its efficiency. For example, there are numerous water meters that are not functioning or otherwise damaged. By replacing these water meters, the MIS will have accurate readings of water usage and be able to recoup revenues otherwise lost due to inaccurate meter readings.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for critically necessary repairs and maintenance for the Molokai Irrigation System.

SECTION 2. The director of finance is authorized to issue general obligation bonds in the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary, and the same sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for fiscal year 2001-2002 for the purpose of making the following repairs and improvements to the Molokai Irrigation System:

1. Fix and Maintain Pumps

Repair Pump #6 and Pump #22 and increase the water flow, contract services for a preventive maintenance program and a telemetric system, establish a contingency fund for repairs and maintenance. $310,000

2. Reduce System Water Loss

a. Replace damaged, aging, and unreliable water meters. $86,000

B. Assessment study of the Molokai Irrigation System to improve efficiency and minimize water loss. $200,000

3. Valve Replacement

Replace damaged and deteriorating system valves. $500,000

4. Waikolu Tunnel Capacity Improvements

Planning, design, and construction of improvements to the mouth of the Waikolu Tunnel to increase water capture capacity and reduce overflow. $          

5. Alternate Energy Study

Study of viable alternate energy sources to power the Molokai Irrigation System. $          

6. Storm Water Capture Improvements

Planning, design, and construction of a system to catch storm water and direct it to the Molokai Irrigation System reservoir. $          

SECTION 3. The appropriation made for the capital improvement projects authorized by this Act shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal year for which the appropriation is made; provided that all moneys from the appropriation unencumbered as of June 30, 2004 shall lapse as of that date.

SECTION 4. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001.

INTRODUCED BY:

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