STAND. COM. REP. NO. 585

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 Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 605 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 the 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 Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Hawaii Crop Improvement Association; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Aina Ho‘okupu o Kilauea; Ulupono Initiative; and two 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.

Your Committee finds that the importance of well-maintained agricultural water systems becomes even greater when the impacts of climate change on the State's food security are considered. This measure ensures the continued availability and operation of extremely important dams and reservoirs in sustaining the State's water resources and enhancing public safety.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to June 30, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 605, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 605, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,

____________________________

CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair