THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	591
TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to agriculture.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii's agricultural industry is one of the most important economic sectors in the State.  Article XI, section 3 of the Hawaii constitution sets forth the mandate that "[t]he State shall conserve and protect agricultural lands, promote diversified agriculture, increase agricultural self-sufficiency and assure the availability of agriculturally suitable lands."  This statement recognizes the State's responsibility to oversee and implement laws that will guide the success and development of Hawaii's agricultural industry.

     The State and the Trust for Public Lands recently purchased approximately 1,200 acres of land from the Galbraith Estate for $25,000,000.  This acquisition of one of Oahu's largest tracts of undeveloped land will help increase local agricultural production.  The agribusiness development corporation must develop the infrastructure for smaller agricultural operations and improve this area that was formerly used for large-scale agricultural operations.  The redevelopment requires additional funds to construct the necessary infrastructure, including electrical, irrigation, roads, and other capital improvements.

     The purpose of this Act is to provide additional funding needed for capital improvements to the former Galbraith Estate property now owned by the State.

     SECTION 2.  The director of finance is authorized to issue general obligation bonds in the sum of $8,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary is appropriated for fiscal year 2013-2014 for the purpose of making capital improvements to the former Galbraith Estate lands.

     SECTION 3.  The appropriation made for the capital improvement project authorized by this Act shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal biennium for which the appropriation is made; provided that all moneys from the appropriation unencumbered as of June 30, 2016, shall lapse as of that date.

     SECTION 4.  The sum appropriated in section 2 of this Act shall be expended by the agribusiness development corporation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2013.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

Report Title:

General Obligation Bonds; Agriculture; Galbraith Estate

 

Description:

Authorizes the director of finance to issue general obligation bonds to fund capital improvements for the former Galbraith estate property.

 

 

 

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