Bill > SB1541

This bill addresses the Waiahole Water System, a critical 26.4-mile water infrastructure project on Oahu that transports water from the Koolau mountain range to agricultural lands in central and leeward Oahu. The bill seeks to appropriate state funds for two primary purposes: first, to fully pay off the existing $8,500,000 bond for the water system, which has already been partially repaid by farmers, 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 water system is currently managed by the Agribusiness Development Corporation and serves approximately 5,600 acres of land, supporting numerous agricultural users and contributing significantly to Hawaii's economy (generating $135,000,000 and creating 2,000 jobs as of 2012). By addressing the bond debt and necessary tunnel repairs, the bill aims to reduce the financial burden on farmers, who currently use 40% of their revenue to service the debt, and ensure the continued functionality of this important agricultural water infrastructure. The bill specifies that the appropriated funds will be used in the fiscal year 2025-2026 and will be expended by the Agribusiness Development Corporation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1541&year=2025