STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1523-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 2800

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 2800, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO IRRIGATION SYSTEMS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and Agribusiness Development Corporation to acquire, repair, and maintain irrigation systems in the State to preserve the systems for public access and the agriculture industry.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaiʻi; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; and Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United.

Your Committee finds that reliable irrigation infrastructure is foundational to agricultural viability in Hawaii. Farmers and ranchers depend on consistent and affordable access to water for crop production, livestock operations, and long-term planning. Without secure, stable irrigation systems, agricultural production declines, costs increase, and the State's food security goals become more difficult to achieve.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2800, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair