Bill Text: HI SR170 | 2019 | Regular Session | Amended

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Bill Title: Requesting The Finalization Of Memorandums Of Understanding And Other Actions For Purposes Of Diversifying Sources Of Irrigation In Central Oahu.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)

Status: (Passed) 2019-04-04 - Report and Resolution Adopted, as amended (SD 1). [SR170 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2019-SR170-Amended.html

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THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	170
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING THE FINALIZATION OF MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING AND OTHER ACTIONS FOR PURPOSES OF DIVERSIFYING SOURCES OF IRRIGATION IN CENTRAL OAHU.

 

 

     WHEREAS, on September 1, 2016, the Governor set a goal to double local food production by 2020; and

 

     WHEREAS, the transition from pineapple and sugar cane to diversified agriculture will require diverse sources of irrigation; and

 

     WHEREAS, the State has purchased thousands of acres of former pineapple land in Central Oahu to increase local food production; and

 

     WHEREAS, many former pineapple lands do not have sufficient irrigation infrastructure or water; and

 

     WHEREAS, recycled water is a quality source for irrigating agricultural lands and can be used for the irrigation of food crops where the recycled water comes into contact with the edible portion of the crop, including all root crops; and

 

     WHEREAS, the State is working with the City and County of Honolulu and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to divert the 1,600,000 gallons of R-1 water from the Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Plant so local farmers have another source of irrigation water; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Agribusiness Development Corporation must finalize a memorandum of understanding with the City and County of Honolulu to divert the R-1 water from the Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Plant; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Agribusiness Development Corporation must finalize a memorandum of understanding with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to provide the Agribusiness Development Corporation with an easement; and

 

     WHEREAS, this would be the second project in the State to utilize recycled water for agricultural uses; and

 

     WHEREAS, currently, the treated R-1 water is being dumped into the Wahiawa Reservoir; and

 

     WHEREAS, the public perception of the Wahiawa Reservoir is negative due to the effluent outfall from the Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Plant; and

 

     WHEREAS, diverting recycled water from the Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Plant provides opportunities to revitalize and reactivate areas in and around the Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Department of Land and Natural Resources State Parks Division is developing a master plan to increase activities and facilities at the Wahiawa Freshwater State Recreation Area that include bass fishing tournaments, Frisbee golf, park golf, and walking paths; and

 

     WHEREAS, diverting the R-1 water to support local food production and revitalize the Wahiawa Reservoir will create economic development for the town; and

 

     WHEREAS, reusing recycled water is in the public interest and has benefits for the health, safety, and general welfare of the State; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirtieth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2019, that the City and County of Honolulu and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs are requested to finalize memorandums of understanding with the Agribusiness Development Corporation for purposes of diversifying sources of irrigation; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City and County of Honolulu is requested to finalize a memorandum of understanding with the Agribusiness Development Corporation to divert R-1 water from the Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Plant; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Agribusiness Development Corporation is requested to finalize the route of its transmission line from the Wahiawa Wastewater Treatment Plant; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Agribusiness Development Corporation and Office of Hawaiian Affairs are encouraged to finalize easement discussions, if appropriate; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Executive Director of the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, and Chairperson of the Honolulu City Council.

Report Title: 

Agriculture; Wastewater Treatment; Recycled Water; Irrigation; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; City and County of Honolulu; Agribusiness Development Corporation