STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3122

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                

 

RE:    S.B. No. 2099

       S.D. 2

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2099, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO IRRIGATION,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to transfer to the Department of Agriculture operational authority over portions of the East Kauai Irrigation System.

 

In addition, the measure provides a conditional extension of the deadline to acquire required permits, establishes positions, authorizes general obligation bonds for an irrigation system capital improvement project, and appropriates funds.

 

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii, Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Waihale Products, Ponoholo Ranch, Ohana Farm Orchards, Ulupalakua Ranch, All Hawaiian Flower Gardens, Hawaii Coconut Protectors, Maui County Farm Bureau, KVTHC, Ono Pop's Kauai, Kulana Kokoleka Farm, Pacific Agricultural Consultants, Saiva Siddhanta Church, Kalepa Koalition, and numerous individuals.

    

     Your Committee finds that providing irrigation support for East Kauai farmers is important and aligns with the State's food security goals.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the measure.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2099, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2099, S.D. 2.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

 

 

 

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair