Bill Text: HI SB2273 | 2014 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Soil and Water Conservation Districts; Directors; Election
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-02-12 - The committee on WTL deferred the measure. [SB2273 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2014-SB2273-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2273 |
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TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2014 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to conservation.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. During the 1930s, the United States federal government developed a standard soil conservation district law for consideration by each state. The model law, which was sent to each state governor, suggested that farmers and ranchers should be granted the authority to establish districts specifically for conservation of soil and water resources. This, along with related federal legislation, provided the basis for states to form local soil and water conservation districts and enable local communities to take positive action to collectively protect the nation's soil and water resources.
The legislature enacted chapter 180, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to authorize the establishment of soil and water conservation districts as subdivisions of the State to act, educate, construct, maintain, and assist in the development of conservation plans and oversee county grading ordinances. The State currently has sixteen soil and water conservation districts, which are each managed by five directors. Two directors are appointed by the department of land and natural resources and three directors are elected by land occupiers within the district.
In the conduct of district elections, land occupiers representing individual farms, ranches, or plantations are eligible to have one vote for each one hundred acres or less lying within the district. This voting system was established when plantations controlled most of the State's agricultural lands. However, the control and use of agricultural land has since become more diversified. Moreover, Hawaii is one of only twelve states that do not utilize a one vote per person system for soil and water conservation districts. Given the current agricultural landscape, small-scale land occupiers should have equal votes as large-scale land occupiers.
The purpose of this Act is to provide that all land occupiers within a soil and water conservation district shall have one vote in electing district directors.
SECTION 2. Section 180-12, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§180-12 Appointment, election,
qualifications, and tenure of directors. The terms of office of the two
district directors appointed pursuant to section 180-7 shall be three years,
except that those first appointed shall be for one and two years,
respectively. The terms of the three elected directors shall be three years.
Unexpired terms shall be filled by a majority vote of the district's remaining
directors. Successors to full terms shall be appointed or elected, as
originally selected. The directors shall either live or work in the districts
they represent. The districts shall conduct their own elections and submit the
results to the department for certification. Land occupiers representing
individual farms, ranches, or plantations are eligible to have one vote [for
each one hundred acres or less lying within a district. Each acreage can be
accounted for only once, with priority voting in order of land occupier, and
land owner, respectively; provided that to be eligible to vote, a land occupier
shall first provide the district with its name, address, and information
clearly identifying the acreage]. The directors shall designate a
chairperson and may, from time to time, change the designation. A majority of
the directors shall constitute a quorum and the concurrence of a majority upon
any official matter shall be necessary. Directors shall receive no
compensation for their services, but shall be entitled to necessary expenses.
They may employ and fix the compensation of such officers and employees as they
may require, and shall provide for surety bonds for employees or officers who
are entrusted with funds. Directors shall keep a record of proceedings,
resolutions, rules, and orders issued or adopted, and accounts of receipts and
disbursements, and shall furnish to the department copies of such documents,
instruments, or information concerning their activities as the department may
request."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Soil and Water Conservation Districts; Directors; Election
Description:
Provides that all land occupiers within a soil and water conservation district shall have one vote in electing district directors.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
