STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2570

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2814

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 2814 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WATER INFRASTRUCTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Direct the Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Agribusiness Development Corporation and the counties, to conduct a water infrastructure study for the State; and

(2) Appropriate $200,000 to the Department of Agriculture for a statewide water infrastructure study.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, and Local Food Coalition.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that the regulation and monitoring of various water infrastructure in the State is overseen by several agencies with differing and complementary priorities and objectives. Your Committee recognizes that the State lacks a complete inventory and comprehensive data system to track the condition and maintenance needs of its water infrastructure. The study required by this measure includes an assessment of current condition of the State's water infrastructure, which will help the State better manage its water resources and provide water services.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2814 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair