H.C.R. No. 65 Summary

• Requests the Department of Agriculture to implement a program establishing differentiated water toll rates for different irrigation systems on the island of Hawaii and different classes of agricultural users.

• Aims to promote development and expansion of Hawaii-grown agricultural commodities including crops, livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and aquaponics by making irrigation water more affordable.

• Addresses concerns that uniform statewide water toll rates create hardship for farmers and ranchers on Hawaii island, where high water delivery costs threaten agricultural sustainability.

• Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit a report no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2014.

• Directs transmission of certified copies to the Board of Agriculture, various state and county officials, agricultural organizations, and the United States Pacific Command.