Akaka seeks drought aid
for parched isle farmland

By Debra Barayuga
Star-Bulletin

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka has introduced legislation to help Hawaii farmers obtain drought relief.

The bill also proposes to help maintain former sugar cane irrigation ditches that are falling into disrepair.

The Hawaii Water Resources Reclamation Act would add Hawaii to 17 other states that may receive drought relief funds from the Bureau of Water Reclamation

The bill seeks a survey to determine the feasibility of repairing water delivery systems and authorizes temporary measures, including wells for irrigation.

Many farmers, including those in the northeastern section of the Big Island, have suffered losses from a drought and leaks in the irrigation system formerly maintained by Hamakua Sugar Co.