STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3328

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2263

H.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Water and Land and Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, to which was referred H.B. No. 2263, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE EAST KAUAI IRRIGATION SYSTEM,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to continue to provide irrigation water to farm operations in East Kauai and support the water system by:

(1) Appropriating funds to the Agribusiness Development Corporation for maintenance and improvements to the East Kauai Irrigation System; and

(2) Creating and funding positions to maintain and improve the East Kauai Irrigation System.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Hawaiian Home Lands; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Office of the Mayor of the County of Kauai; Office of Economic Development of the County of Kauai; Kauaʻi Chamber; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Local Food Coalition; Ulupono Initiative; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; and three individuals.

Your Committees find that repairs, renovation, and improvements are needed to maintain the century-old East Kauai Irrigation System as there is no reasonable replacement system. If the reservoir is decommissioned, 5,920 acres of agricultural land will dry up. This measure appropriates funds to the Agribusiness Development Corporation to maintain and improve the East Kauai Irrigation System, supporting both farm operations and the water system.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Water and Land and Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2263, H.D. 2, and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Water and Land and Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism,

________________________________ LYNN DECOITE, Chair

________________________________ LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair