Report Title:

Appropriation; East Kauai Irrigation System

 

Description:

Appropriates funds for the operation and maintenance of the East Kauai irrigation system.

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2748

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

making an appropriation for 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.  Sufficient funding is necessary to maintain and improve the irrigation systems throughout the State to ensure that crops receive a steady and dependable supply of water.

     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, composed of twenty-two miles of ditches and three reservoirs, which has irrigated four thousand acres of land in the Kapaa area.  The East Kauai Water Users' Cooperative received a revocable permit from the State to operate the East Kauai irrigation system and took over operations in March 2002.  However, the East Kauai Water Users' Cooperative is facing a serious funding shortfall because the income that it receives from users is insufficient to cover 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.

     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 2008-2009 for the operation and maintenance of the East Kauai irrigation system.

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________