HI SR73

Requests the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to assume responsibility for routine maintenance and repair of the Kohala Ditch, a 26-mile irrigation system on Hawaii's Big Island supplying over 5 million gallons of water daily to North Kohala farmers and ranchers.

Directs ADC to develop a comprehensive maintenance plan including regular inspections, repairs, upgrades following safety and efficiency standards, and collaboration with surrounding communities, farmers, ranchers, and relevant stakeholders.

Requires ADC to submit reports to the Legislature no later than 20 days before each regular session detailing maintenance activities, expenditures, current ditch condition, completed work, and recommendations for improvements.

Addresses a 2021 rockslide that damaged a critical flume and halted water flow, forcing farmers to pay for county water at approximately 10 times the cost and causing many to scale back or cease production.

Notes that $10 million was allocated in Act 164, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023 for Kohala Ditch repairs, but funds have not been released to the intended grantee (Kohala Ditch Co-Op, Incorporated) due to statutory compliance issues.