Bill > HB781

This bill addresses financial support and infrastructure maintenance for the Waiahole water system, a critical 26.4-mile water transportation system on Oahu that delivers water from the Koolau mountain range to agricultural lands in central and leeward Oahu. The bill seeks to appropriate funds from general state revenues for two primary purposes: first, to fully pay off the $8,500,000 bond used to purchase the water system in 1999, which currently requires farmers to pay significant debt service fees that are passed on to consumers, and second, to fund $2,000,000 in critical repairs to the adit 8 tunnel, which is essential for the entire water system's operation. The Waiahole water system serves approximately 5,600 acres of land, supports numerous agricultural users including farms and research centers, and has been demonstrated to contribute significantly to Hawaii's economy, generating $135,000,000 and 2,000 jobs as of 2012. By addressing the bond debt and tunnel repair, the bill aims to reduce financial burden on farmers, maintain critical water infrastructure, and support agricultural productivity in the region. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 3000, which appears to be a placeholder date typical in legislative drafting.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=781&year=2026