Bill Text: HI HB1539 | 2016 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Agriculture; South Kohala; Appropriation
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-02-08 - Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on WAL with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Creagan, San Buenaventura, Say excused (3). [HB1539 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2016-HB1539-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1539 |
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TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL WATER SUPPLY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the development of non-potable water resources for farms and ranches in South Kohala on the island of Hawaii is critically necessary to meet the demand for food self-sufficiency, address food security, expand the agricultural economy, and address drought migration. The legislature believes that a water development plan that uses the upper Hamakua ditch will help the region achieve its goal of becoming a key producer of locally grown food for the State. The legislature further finds that a regional agriculture water development plan will identify the storage and distribution improvements necessary to increase capacity, including the integration of affordable, renewable energy with new water sources.
The legislature further finds that an increased water capacity will lead to significant increases in diversified agriculture and the establishment of new and larger crop fields for produce and livestock feed. Those improvements will create opportunities to assist the economy in the region and in the State. Money diverted from imported food to locally sourced food will boost the State's economy. Further, the irrigation improvements sought have the potential to generate a return on investment of $5 to $10 every year in agriculture revenue for every $1 invested.
The purpose of this Act is to support the farming and ranching industries in South Kohala on the island of Hawaii by appropriating moneys for planning and engineering studies and designs for construction of:
(1) Water source development; and
(2) Associated renewable energy sources for agricultural development and delivery.
SECTION 2. 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 2016-2017 for a planning and engineering water and renewable energy study and for the design of new water and associated energy resources located in South Kohala on the island of Hawaii.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2016.
Report Title:
Agriculture; South Kohala; Appropriation
Description:
Appropriates moneys to the Department of Agriculture for planning and engineering studies and designs for construction of water source development and associated renewable energy sources for agricultural development and delivery. (HB1539 HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
