2016-11-30 NKCDP Ag Water Meeting Notes Final

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• Many relatively new ones have been off-line for a long time and are likely to leak when activated. • New lines will require easements. • Highway crossings are typically a problem with DOT. There was a LOT of sentiment to get the water to the users (distribution). Kirk and Lani Eubanks produced a detailed water resources report done in 1974, showing locations and capacities of mauka water. Is the Ditch or an expanded system financially viable? Several attendees expressed concern over the financial viability of an expanded ag water system. Bill Shontell said the ditch needs more users to be financially viable. There is a need to look at how many more farmers would be needed to have the system operate and sustain itself. There was a suggestion to make a business plan and develop a set of financials to determine if a locally owned ditch business can be sustainable. New farmers will tend to purchase land where there is available cheap ag water. What will this $1.5 million accomplish?? • Why not put it straight into distribution lines? • Need to fully assess the entire system in advance. Only then can you adequately work to create an integrated system with a likelihood of working properly. The group who showed up (perhaps 25 people, representing Surety, the Co -Op, and many end- users and potential users) were in agreement on these points. There were no arguments. From Gail Byrne Baber via email: • Any study should include a detailed on -the -ground assessment of the current infrastructure. It will need on -the -ground information on what condition of the infrastructure (pipes, valves, any pumps) is to accurately set water rates and set asides for reserves for infrastructure replacement and maintenance. • Kohala should easily qualify for a 0% or very low interest loan from the Rural Community Assistance Corporation and should qualify for a planning grant, assuming they still offer these programs. • Ag water users must have an NRCS Ag plan for access and an Ag rate, not just County Ag plan. In my opinion, this extra water should not grow lawns and landscaping for large estates. And within in this group of NRCS plans, preference should be given to full time farmers.