STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1212-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: S.B. No. 2946

S.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred S.B. No. 2946, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO IRRIGATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Agriculture for maintenance of and improvement to the Peekauai Ditch Irrigation System, also known as the Menehune Ditch, located on Kauai.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Local Food Coalition; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Kekaha Agriculture Association; Ulupono Initiative; Hawaii Crop Improvement Association; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council; Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii; Kaua‘i Chamber; and seven individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that increased and extended water droughts have highlighted the need for the repair and maintenance of irrigation systems in the State. This measure ensures that famers on Kauai, especially those in the Waimea area and taro farmers, receive a steady and dependable supply of water by providing sufficient funding to maintain and improve the Peekauai Ditch Irrigation System.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2946, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture,

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair