HI HB1536

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

Changes the phrase "domestic use" to "other agricultural uses" in the statute governing the Board of Agriculture's powers to construct and maintain irrigation water facilities.

Amends Section 269-1 to exclude irrigation projects operated under Chapter 167 and entities conveying nonpotable water from the definition of "public utility" subject to Public Utilities Commission regulation.

Clarifies that entities operating irrigation water facilities are not considered public utilities and therefore are not subject to public utility regulation and oversight.

Effective date: January 7, 2059.