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Show HAWAII 247 "been created to undertake study and research directed toward the establishment of an environmental quality control program.25 C. OTHER AGENCIES AT THE STATE LEVEL Regulation of water resources in Hawaii is accomplished by the board of land and natural resources to the extent there is State in- volvement in the management of water resources. In addition to other duties, the board is authorized to conduct investigations and studies for water resource development, and to construct facilities and proj- ects for irrigation and domestic purposes, and other related uses. The board has the power of eminent domain to acquire water, water rights, and water sources, and to acquire land needed for the con- struction of facilities. The board may contract for the sale or lease of the water developed, and may establish the total amount of acreage assessments to be levied annually within each project and set the fees and rates which are to be charged for the water delivered from the facilities constructed. Projects may be financed by the sale of reve- nue bonds. Provision is made for the initiation of water projects by occupants of the land.28 Pursuant to special statutory authorization, the board of land and natural resources has been authorized to construct an irrigation and water utilization project to supply the owners and occupants of lands on the island of Molokai. The board has the power to fix and collect reasonable water rates to pay the costs of operation and maintenance of the system.27 Another duty of the board relates to flood control. The board is authorized to coordinate the programs and activities of all agencies of the State to achieve the objectives of a statewide flood control pro- gram. The board is to review plans of Federal flood control projects submitted for State approval, and to formulate and recommend to the legislature a State policy with regard to local cooperation in Federal flood control projects. Further, the board reviews requests for financial assistance by local entities to meet local participation requirements, and executes and administers agreements with political subdivisions to implement state assurances in Federal flood control projects. For meritorious proposed projects which do not meet feas- ibility standards for Federal flood control projects, the board is re- quired to formulate State feasibility criteria and project funding procedures, study proposed projects, execute agreements with local subdivisions to assure compliance with the conditions of State proj- ects, and to design and construct state flood control works.28 d. AGENCIES AT THE LOCAL LEVEL County boards of water supply are authorized to construct and operate facilities to provide a public water supply. For example, the board of water supply, city and county of Honolulu is empowered to protect, conserve and regulate the development of water resources on the island of Oahu.29 25 Hawaii Rev. Stat., sees. 341-1 to 341-6. 28 Hawaii Rev. Stat, sees. 174-1 to 174-22. 87 Hawaii Rev. Stat., sees. 175-1 to 175-8. 28 Hawaii Rev. Stat, sees. 179-1 to 179-4. 29 Hawaii Rev. Stat., sees. 54-11 to 54-67. |
