HI HB2179

Caps the toll for water from the lower Hamakua ditch at 20 cents per 1,000 gallons, amending Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 167-6.

Recognizes the lower Hamakua ditch as a century-old agricultural water system that provided up to 40 million gallons per day historically and averaged 12 million gallons per day as of 2008.

Aims to encourage agricultural production and economic growth in the Hamakua area, particularly for small family farmers, following restoration efforts that began with a 1999 federal watershed project grant.

Takes effect on July 1, 2015, with a sunset provision repealing the toll cap on June 30, 2025, returning the water toll authority to the Board of Agriculture.