Ka`u Agricultural Water Cooperative District Plan ($300,000)
The requested funding would be used to assist the Ka`u Agricultural Water Cooperative District in rehabilitating the Ka`u irrigation system.
The transition in Hawaii from plantation agriculture to small diversified farms has made it difficult to maintain the sugar-era water supply systems. The Ka‘u irrigation system includes some 30 water source tunnels, which can be repaired and returned to service. A group of farmers, ranchers, and landowners in Ka‘u has formed an agricultural water cooperative to achieve this goal. This grassroots initiative represents a commitment by the Ka‘u community to create jobs while maintaining their rural way of life.
Funding will be used to survey, design, and begin repairs on the highest priority water source tunnels and to cover associated administrative costs. The total project cost is estimated to be $6,700,000.
Recipient: Ka`u Agricultural Water Cooperative District
P.O. Box 22
Pahala, HI 96777
Why this is a good use of taxpayer dollars: This project will help bring more good agricultural land into production and provide much-need employment in the Ka'u district.
