HI SB179

Transfers operational authority of the east Kauai irrigation system from the east Kauai water users' cooperative to the Department of Agriculture, effective until rules are adopted or the system can be operated under chapters 167 and 168 of Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Exempts acreage assessment and water delivery fees from chapters 167 and 168 until the system is transferred to the appropriate program.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to deposit all collected fees into the state general fund until the board of agriculture adopts irrigation rules or the system transitions to appropriate statutory operation.

Establishes 5.0 full-time equivalent positions within the Department of Agriculture's agricultural resource management division: one irrigation district manager, three irrigation system workers II, and one office assistant.

Appropriates an unspecified amount from general revenues for fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 for operations and maintenance, with funds only expended if the system becomes a state irrigation system under the Department of Agriculture; effective July 1, 2050.