When more than one petition is filed covering portions of the same territory, the board of agriculture may consolidate the petitions. Having received the petitions, on the basis of such evidence as may be submitted to it by the petitioners and on the findings of investigations or surveys made by or for it, or by other governmental agencies, the board shall establish such irrigation projects as it deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter. Before making a final determination to establish a project or projects, the board shall hold a hearing, notice of which shall be duly advertised in the same manner and form, as nearly as may be, as provided in section irrigation project on initiative of board; notice and hearing; protests” class=”unlinked-ref” datatype=”S” sessionyear=”2019″ statecd=”HI”>167-17.