Committee advances $1 million plan to clear overgrown stream vegetation, moves management back to Agriculture

The Senate Transportation committee recommended passing HB2113, which would fund removal of overgrown vegetation from the Caina/Ka'ina Hola stream drainage. Committee discussion focused on which agency should manage the work and the correct appropriation amount.

Kevin Moore of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity told the committee that a previously referenced $1.6 million appropriation had already been expended and that the area now in question is smaller but in more difficult terrain; DOA recommended $1 million to complete the work. Chairs proposed placing the $1 million in the committee report rather than embedding the appropriation directly in the measure and recommended transferring management back to DOA (from DOT) to reflect the introducer's intent.

DOT and DOA stood on their written testimony and offered comments; an individual testifier, Kurt Bochard, expressed support. Committee members accepted the recommendation to pass HB2113 with amendments; the committee adopted the recommendation by recorded vote.

The committee record notes the bill’s connection to existing civil litigation referenced in committee (HRB LLC v. State, civil no. 15-1-0125) as a contextual matter for the drainage management approach.