THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2800

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to irrigation systems.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that irrigation systems are vital to the State's economy as they support agricultural production and enable related economic activities, and support recreational activities in many areas of the State.  The legislature further finds that stewardship of the natural resources, land, water, and ecosystems of the State is imperative.  The State's economic burden of environmental protection inaction will far exceed the cost of proactive investment in freshwater resource mitigation and adaptation strategies, and the loss of biodiversity in the State simultaneously threatens the State's economic stability and environmental vitality.

     The legislature additionally finds that the department of taxation has projected an increase in general funds to be designated for climate conservation and environmental stewardship initiatives and developments.  Investing in projects specifically designed for freshwater water resource conservation is vital to the stability of the State.  The legislature believes that meaningful steps must be taken to strengthen the State's environmental resilience and community prosperity; therefore, the State must invest in environmental developments that prioritize sustainable land use practices.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of agriculture and biosecurity, department of land and natural resources, and the agribusiness development corporation to acquire, repair, and maintain irrigation systems in the State to preserve the systems for public access and the agriculture industry.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $31,500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the department of agriculture and biosecurity to acquire, maintain, and repair irrigation systems in the State.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture and biosecurity for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $14,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the department of land and natural resources to acquire, maintain, and repair irrigation systems in the State.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $750,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the agribusiness development corporation to acquire, maintain, and repair irrigation systems in the State.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the agribusiness development corporation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

DAB; DLNR; ADC; Irrigation Systems; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the Agribusiness Development Corporation to acquire, repair, and maintain irrigation systems in the State.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.