S.B. 1275 Summary

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 167-5 to clarify that the Board of Agriculture can acquire property by eminent domain for water facilities serving agricultural uses, removing references to "domestic use."

• Expands the Board of Agriculture's authority to acquire water facilities for "other agricultural uses" beyond irrigation, broadening the scope of projects eligible for eminent domain powers.

• Modifies Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 269-1 to exclude irrigation and nonpotable water projects developed under Chapter 167 from regulation as public utilities.

• Clarifies that boards of water supply managing county water systems are not subject to public utility regulation under Chapter 269.

• Effective upon approval; excludes agricultural irrigation water systems from Public Utilities Commission oversight while maintaining Board of Agriculture authority over such projects.