SB 563: RELATING TO WATER INFRASTRUCTURE.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO WATER INFRASTRUCTURE.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the State does not own or possess complete control of all water infrastructure in Hawaii.  Wells, canals, and irrigation projects are often located on private, county, or federal land, and limited access to these locations may impede the categorization process conducted by public agencies.  Since managing these resources is the responsibility of the associated agencies affiliated with local and state governments, there is a pressing need to ensure that an adequate inventory of these resources is maintained so that these resources may be dedicated to the agriculture industry.  The legislature believes that water infrastructure is critical to overall food production within the State and must be accurately categorized, maintained, and effectively managed.

     The legislature also finds that the regulation and monitoring of wells, irrigation ditches, reservoirs, and pump stations related to farming and agriculture in the State is typically overseen by several agencies having overlapping priorities and objectives.  The department of land and natural resources and the commission on water resource management both fulfill significant roles in this complex process.  However, it must be noted that statistical data is also gathered by the department of agriculture and the agribusiness development corporation.  These agencies provide several informational inputs into a disjointed monitoring system that relies upon cooperation between the differing but complementary agencies.  As a result, the State lacks a complete inventory and comprehensive data system to track the condition and maintenance needs of water infrastructure in Hawaii.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to direct the department of agriculture to conduct an agricultural water infrastructure study for the State of Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of agriculture, in collaboration with the agribusiness development corporation and the counties, shall conduct a statewide agricultural water infrastructure study.

     (b)  As part of the study, the department of agriculture shall develop an inventory of wells, irrigation ditches, reservoirs, pumping stations, and agricultural infrastructure in the State, including an assessment of the infrastructure's current condition and maintenance needs and recommendations for future investments in infrastructure.

     The department of agriculture shall also develop a tracking system to report future infrastructure needs.

     (c)  The department of agriculture shall submit a report to the legislature of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, by November 1, 2027.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 for a statewide agricultural water infrastructure study.

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

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

DOA; ADC; Counties; Agricultural Water Infrastructure; Study; Report; Appropriation

Description:

Directs the Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Agribusiness Development Corporation and the counties, to conduct a statewide agricultural water infrastructure study.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

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

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to Water Infrastructure.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the State does not own or possess complete control of all water infrastructure in Hawaii.  Wells, canals, and irrigation projects are often located on private, county, or federal land, and limited access to these locations may impede the categorization process conducted by public agencies.  Since managing these resources is the responsibility of the associated agencies affiliated with local and state governments, there is a pressing need to ensure that an adequate inventory of these resources is maintained so that these resources may be dedicated to the agriculture industry.  The legislature believes that water infrastructure is critical to overall food production within the State and must be accurately categorized, maintained, and effectively managed.

     The legislature also finds that the regulation and monitoring of wells, irrigation ditches, reservoirs, and pump stations related to farming and agriculture in the State is typically overseen by several agencies having overlapping priorities and objectives.  The department of land and natural resources and the commission on water resource management both fulfill significant roles in this complex process.  However, it must be noted that statistical data is also gathered by the department of agriculture and the agribusiness development corporation.  These agencies provide several informational inputs into a disjointed monitoring system that relies upon cooperation between the differing but complementary agencies.  As a result, the State lacks a complete inventory and comprehensive data system to track the condition and maintenance needs of water infrastructure in Hawaii.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to direct the department of agriculture to conduct an agricultural water infrastructure study for the State of Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of agriculture, in collaboration with the agribusiness development corporation and the counties, shall conduct an agricultural water infrastructure study for the State of Hawaii.

     (b)  As part of the study, the department of agriculture shall develop an inventory of wells, irrigation ditches, reservoirs, pumping stations, and agricultural infrastructure in the State, including an assessment of the infrastructure's current condition and maintenance needs and recommendations for future investments in infrastructure.

     The department of agriculture shall also develop a tracking system to report future infrastructure needs.

     (c)  The department of agriculture shall submit a report to the legislature of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, by November 1, 2027.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 for a statewide agricultural water infrastructure study.

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

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

HDOA; ADC; Counties; Agricultural Water Infrastructure; Study; Appropriation

Description:

Directs that Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Agribusiness Development Corporation and the counties, to conduct an agricultural water infrastructure study for the State of Hawaii.  Appropriates moneys.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 160

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 563

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 563 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO WATER INFRASTRUCTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Agriculture to:

     (1)  In collaboration with the Agribusiness Development Corporation and the counties, conduct a statewide agricultural water infrastructure study;

     (2)  Submit a report to the Legislature; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United, and three individuals.

     Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Agriculture.

     Your Committee finds that water infrastructure is critical to overall food production in the State and therefore must be accurately categorized, maintained, and effectively managed.  Your Committee recognizes that the regulation and monitoring of various water infrastructure in the State is overseen by several agencies with differing and complementary priorities and objectives, which contributes to the lack of a complete inventory and comprehensive data system to track the condition and maintenance needs of the water infrastructure in the State.  Your Committee further recognizes that water maintenance and development have high capital costs and risks.  The study required by this measure will help the State efficiently and effectively manage its water resources and provide water services.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

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

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 563, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 563, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,