STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1214

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2021

 

RE:   S.B. No. 489

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred S.B. No. 489 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to increase the maximum area for each agricultural shade cloth structure, cold frame, and greenhouse that could qualify the structure for an exemption from building permit and building code requirements.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; University of Hawaii System; Office of Planning; Hawaii Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Ulupono Initiative; Big Island Produce; and two individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from Aloun Farms.

 

     Your Committee finds that increasing the maximum square footage per agricultural shade cloth structure, cold frame, and greenhouse that qualifies for exemption from building permit and building code requirements provides more flexibility in the types of structures that may be easily used for agricultural purposes, thereby supporting agricultural production in Hawaii.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 489 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair