STAND. COM. REP. NO. 853

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.B. No. 605

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 605, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INFRASTRUCTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish a Dam and Reservoir Working Group to:

(1) Ensure and enhance continued availability and operation of dams and reservoirs in the State; and

(2) Consider the role dams and reservoirs play in drought mitigation and the maintenance of a dependable water supply.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Ulupono Initiative, Aina Ho‘okupu o Kilauea, Hawai‘i Farm Bureau, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, and five individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 605, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair