The United States Senate passed and cleared for the President the Hawaii Water Resources Act (S. 1694), legislation authored by U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) that addresses the needs of Hawaii's farmers for drought relief as well as a secure long-term water supply. The Senate passed S. 1694 on April 13, 2000, and sent the measure to the House. The House passed the bill on October 24, 2000, with an amendment that attached six other water project and water reclamation-related measures to the Hawaii Water Resources Act. The Senate acceptance of the House amendment by unanimous consent clears the bill for action by the President.

"Prior to the recent heavy rains, neighbor island farmers and residents suffered the consequences of our prolonged drought," said Akaka. "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."

In the short term, 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, S. 1694 directs the Secretary of the 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 wastewater for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes.

"Hawaii's immediate need is for emergency water supplies to assist farmers harmed by the drought," Akaka noted. "But the face of agriculture is changing in Hawaii, and we also need a comprehensive review of agricultural water supply systems to determine how they can serve a new generation of farmers. This legislation will achieve these important goals."

Diversified agriculture is a bright spot in our economy. Farm receipts from diversified crops rose an average of 5.5 percent annually for the past three years, surpassing the $300 million mark for the first time. Hawaii still grows sugarcane, but diversified farming represents the future of Hawaii agriculture.