Report Title:

Final Phase of Upcountry Maui Watershed Project; GO Bonds

Description:

Authorizes the issuance of general obligations bonds and appropriates funds for the final phase of the Upcountry Maui Watershed project to build a pipeline from Omaopio Tank to Keokea.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1537

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE AGRICULTURAL WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, UPCOUNTRY KULA, MAUI WATERSHED.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that in order for agriculture to succeed in Hawaii, farmers must have access to affordable land and water resources. It is vital that farmers are provided the necessary infrastructure to fully maximize their production capabilities as well as compete in the global market.

The legislature also finds that Upcountry Kula, Maui is considered one of the most productive agricultural communities in the State. However, there are competing uses for the existing water system between potable water and agricultural water in Kula, Maui. These competing uses on the existing system are causing a heavy burden on the Kula farmers. In addition, the existing water system is being treated to drinking water standards, thus, making the water expensive for agricultural use. In some cases, Kula farmers are paying three to four times more for agricultural water than farmers in other parts of the State.

The legislature finds that the federal government has appropriated funds for the construction of a separate agricultural water distribution system for Upcountry Kula, Maui. This new system will help provide farmers affordable water resources. It is critical that the state and county agencies continue to support the agricultural economy and provide the fifty per cent matching funds to continue this project.

The purpose of this Act is to provide the necessary fifty per cent matching funds for the next phase of the agricultural water distribution system, Upcountry Kula, Maui.

SECTION 2. The director of finance is authorized to issue general obligation bonds in the sum of $6,000,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, and $300,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for fiscal year 2003-2004, for the purpose of planning and designing the final phase of the Upcountry Kula, Maui watershed project for a pipeline from Omaopio Tank to Keokea and $5,700,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for fiscal year 2003-2004, for the purpose of procuring land and equipment, construction and completion of the Upcountry Kula, Maui Watershed Project. This project is deemed necessary to qualify for federal aid financing and reimbursement.

SECTION 4. The appropriation made for the capital improvement project 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, 2006, shall lapse as of that date.

SECTION 5. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2003.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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