STAND. COM. REP. NO. 141

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.B. No. 355

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Higher Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 355 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE SUSTAINABLE AND ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PROGRAM,"

 

beg leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to make an appropriation for the sustainable and organic agriculture program administered by the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

 

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; University of Hawaii System; Hawaii Farmers Union United; Hawaii Farm Bureau; Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association; EcoTipping Points Project; Aina Hookupu o Kilauea; Farm Lovers Farmers Markets; Kahuku Farms, Inc.; Kakalina Farms LLC; and thirty-three individuals.  Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

 

     Your Committees find that across the State farmers are experimenting with different ways of producing agricultural products that are sustainable and beneficial to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of farm families and rural communities.  Your Committees further find that the sustainable and organic agriculture program at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources is committed to increasing awareness and adoption of sustainable and organic practices across the State while addressing the challenges of creating more profitable farm incomes, environmental stewardship, and stable and prosperous farm communities.  Your Committees find that supporting the growth of the sustainable and organic agriculture program will strengthen the organic industry in Hawaii and reduce the volume of imported organic products and invasive species that may be found on imported organic produce.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Higher Education that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 355 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Higher Education,

 

________________________________

KAIALI'I KAHELE, Chair

 

________________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair