SB2491

Report Title:

Irrigation Water Hydroelectric Power Demonstration Project

Description:

Establishes the Irrigation Water Hydroelectric Power Demonstration Project to be administered by the Agribusiness Development Corporation. Appropriates funds for development of the project.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2491
TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO IRRIGATION WATER SYSTEMS.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii's sugar industry constructed extensive irrigation systems that should be repaired, maintained, and developed to support a successful transition to diversified crops. The legislature further finds that water flowing through these systems may be used to generate electricity for the local grid, thereby providing a steady stream of revenue to maintain Hawaii's irrigation systems, while at the same time reducing Hawaii's dependence on fossil fuel.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to develop an irrigation water hydroelectric power demonstration project. The project will establish a hydroelectric plant fueled by water flowing through existing irrigation systems. Revenues from the sale of electricity generated by the plant will be used to repair, maintain, and operate existing irrigation systems for agricultural use.

SECTION 2. Irrigation water hydroelectric power special fund. (a) There is established in the state treasury the irrigation water hydroelectric power special fund, into which shall be deposited:

(1) Appropriations made by the legislature to the fund;

(2) All receipts and revenues derived from the sale of electricity generated by the irrigation water hydroelectric power demonstration project; and

(3) Interest earned or accrued on moneys in the fund.

(b) Moneys in the fund shall be used by the corporation for the following purposes:

(1) Operating and maintaining the irrigation water hydroelectric power demonstration project;

(2) Repairing, maintaining, and operating existing irrigation systems for use in agriculture; and

(3) Any other purpose deemed necessary by the corporation for the purpose of operating and maintaining the irrigation water hydroelectric power demonstration project, or repairing, maintaining, or operating existing irrigation systems for agricultural use.

SECTION 3. The agribusiness development corporation shall develop an irrigation water hydroelectric power demonstration project. The corporation shall select the most appropriate and potentially successful site, develop plans, and identify the agreements and funding necessary to construct a hydroelectric plant that generates electricity using water that flows through existing irrigation systems.

Electricity generated by the hydroelectric plant shall be sold to local power companies. Revenues from the sale of electricity shall be deposited into the irrigation water hydroelectric power special fund.

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii $1,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003 for the development of the irrigation water hydroelectric power demonstration project.

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

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2002.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________