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Board approves 2¢ per thousand‑gallon increase to HDOA irrigation delivery charge
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Summary
The Board of Agriculture approved a 2¢ per thousand‑gallon increase to the Department of Agriculture’s irrigation water delivery rate, raising the rate from $0.50 to $0.52 per 1,000 gallons effective July 1, 2025. Staff cited a 2019 water‑rate study and temporary legislative relief that delayed a larger increase.
The State of Hawaii Board of Agriculture voted to raise the base irrigation water delivery charge by no more than 2¢ per 1,000 gallons, increasing the rate from $0.50 to $0.52 per 1,000 gallons for all HDOA irrigation system users effective July 1, 2025.
HDOA staff told the board that HAR chapter 4‑1‑57‑21 allows the board to increase the base delivery charge by up to 2¢ per fiscal year. Staff reviewed a 2019 water‑rate study that analyzed revenue and expenditures and recommended a larger increase—to $1.11 per 1,000 gallons—but said the department postponed that larger change after the legislature moved personnel costs from the irrigation fund to the general fund for one fiscal year.
Staff recommended a 2¢ increase as a step toward making the irrigation system revolving fund more self‑sufficient while monitoring whether personnel costs remain on the general fund. Board members acknowledged the impact on producers and thanked the Legislature and staff for phasing in costs. Chair Sharon Hurd called for the vote; board members raised no objections or recusals and approved the motion.
Board members and staff noted that a larger rate change would require an amendment to administrative rules; the 2¢ increase is allowed under current rules and can be applied once per fiscal year, while a rate increase to $1.11 would have required a rule change and a public‑notice process.
