HI SB179

Transfers operational authority of the east Kauai irrigation system (previously operated by the east Kauai water users' cooperative before December 15, 2020) to the Department of Agriculture until rules are adopted or the system can be appropriately operated under chapters 167 and 168, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

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

Requires all fees collected from east Kauai irrigation water users to be deposited into the general fund until the Board of Agriculture adopts necessary rules or the system is appropriately transferred.

Establishes 5.0 full-time equivalent positions within the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Resource Management Division: one irrigation district manager, three irrigation system worker II positions, and one office assistant (contingent upon the system becoming a state irrigation system).

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 for operations and maintenance of the east Kauai irrigation system; funds are only expended if the system becomes a state irrigation system under the Department of Agriculture.

Takes effect on July 1, 2050.