STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2776

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2800

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2800, S.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys for the acquisition, repair, and maintenance of irrigation systems in the State.

More specifically, this measure appropriates funds for these purposes to the:

(1) Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity;

(2) Department of Land and Natural Resources; and

(3) Agribusiness Development Corporation.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Agribusiness Development Corporation, Larry Jefts Farms LLC, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, Agriculture Stewardship Hawaii, and one individual.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that irrigation systems are essential to the State's economy and support agricultural production, economic activities, and recreational activities in many areas of the State. Your Committee further finds that investing in projects specifically designed for freshwater resource conservation is critical to the State's environmental stability. Your Committee believes that the funding provided by this measure will help state agencies take meaningful steps to strengthen Hawaii's environmental resilience and community prosperity.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2800, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair