Preventing Agricultural Theft

Responding to a recent rise in agricultural theft and vandalism, we passed HB 227 which makes entering or remaining unlawfully on agricultural lands without permission an offense of criminal trespass in the second degree if the lands are fenced, enclosed, or secured, or a sign is displayed. This should make it much easier for police to cite and arrest trespassers likely committing these crimes. The Hawaii Farm Bureau explains, “hard-earned crops are stolen, livestock is endangered by cut fences and damaged gates, and we are used as a rubbish dump, a place to abuse alcohol and drugs and to commit other crimes.”

The bill also removes responsibility for agricultural land owners for any injury, death, loss, or damage suffered by a trespasser when proper warnings are posted.

Waimanalo Irrigation Water Restoration

Millions of gallons of water are being wasted in Waimanalo every day. Irrigation for most farms in Waimanalo comes from a century-old irrigation ditch that pipes water along the base of the Koolau range beginning near Waiahole. Over the decades, the system has deteriorated to the point that only a fraction of the water that is pumped toward Waimanalo actually makes it to Waimanalo farms.

To fix this, we have pushed for nearly $10 million over the last several years to restore the irrigation system, plug its holes, and return much needed water to the farms that need it. Repairs are already under way, and in the end it will better irrigate our local farms and keep millions of gallons of water from being lost every day.

The Waimanalo Reservoir is currently kept at near-empty levels, but can hold much more..