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Federal bill
addresses isle
farmers’ water needs

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Star-Bulletin staff

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka is optimistic that a piece of legislation he wrote will address Hawaii farmers' needs for secure, long-term water supplies.

The U.S. Senate passed the Hawaii Water Resources Act, Senate Bill 1694, which now awaits the president's signature.

The bill addresses the needs of Hawaii's farmers for drought relief as well as a secure long-term water supply.

"Prior to the recent heavy rains, neighbor island farmers and residents suffered the consequences of our prolonged drought," said Akaka (D-Hawaii). "Some areas experienced water shortages for as long as four years, and the long-term consequences need to be examined."

"Farms and communities on Hawaii, Maui and Molokai need the assistance this legislation provides," Akaka said.

Currently, the Hawaii Water Resources Reclamation Act authorizes temporary drought measures, including wells for irrigation, to minimize damage and losses on farms and ranches.

To provide long-term relief, the Hawaii Resources Act directs the Secretary of Interior to conduct a study to survey irrigation and water delivery systems in Hawaii, identify the cost of rehabilitating the systems and evaluate demand for future use.

The study would also identify new opportunities to reclaim and recycle water and waste water for agricultural and nonagricultural purposes.

"Hawaii's immediate need is for emergency water supplies to assist farmers harmed by the drought," Akaka said. "But the face of agriculture is changing in Hawaii."

"We also need a comprehensive review of agricultural water supply systems to determine how they can serve a new generation of farmers," he said.

"This legislation will achieve these important goals."