Report Title:

East Kauai Irrigation System

Description:

Appropriates funds for the operation and maintenance of the East Kauai Irrigation System.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

954

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO THE EAST KAUAI IRRIGATION SYSTEM.

 

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

SECTION 1. A reliable irrigation system is the lifeblood of Hawaii's agricultural industry. To ensure that Hawaii's crops receive a steady and dependable supply of water, sufficient funding is needed to maintain and improve Hawaii's irrigation systems.

The legislature finds that a potential crisis is developing at the East Kauai Irrigation System. In 2001, Amfac Sugar Company announced that it was ceasing operation of its ditch system, comprised of twenty-two miles of ditches and three reservoirs, which had irrigated four thousand acres of land in the Kapaa area (East Kauai Irrigation System). Subsequently, the East Kauai Water Users' Cooperative (Cooperative) received a revocable permit from the State to operate the East Kauai Irrigation System and took over operations in March 2002.

The legislature further finds that the Cooperative faces a serious funding shortfall. Income from users is insufficient to pay for the day-to-day operation and maintenance expenses of the East Kauai Irrigation System.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the operation and maintenance of the East Kauai Irrigation System to facilitate the development of diversified agriculture on the affected Kapaa, Kauai, lands.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $50,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006 to be paid into the Hawaii agricultural development revolving fund created in section 163D-17, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the agribusiness development corporation for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.

INTRODUCED BY:

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