STAND. COM. REP. NO.  593

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2023

 

RE:   H.B. No. 690

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committees on Agriculture & Food Systems and Economic Development, to which was referred H.B. No. 690 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

 

beg leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to establish the Hawaii Agricultural Investment Program to provide a dedicated source of funding for the local agricultural sector.

 

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Farm Bureau; North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Ulupono Initiative; Local Food Coalition; Food+ Policy Internship 2023; and four individuals.  Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General.

 

     Your Committees find that this measure would provide capital for Hawaii's farmers and ranchers to increase production and expand their businesses.

 

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

 

     (1)  Modifying the purposes of the Hawaii Agricultural Investment Program;

 

     (2)  Establishing standards for the Hawaii Agricultural Investment Program;

 

     (3)  Changing its effective date to June 30, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

 

     (4)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

 

     Your Committees note that as mentioned in testimony, $3,000,000 per year may be needed for the Hawaii Agricultural Investment Program.

 

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture & Food Systems and Economic Development that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 690, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 690, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Agriculture & Food Systems and Economic Development,

 

 

____________________________

DANIEL HOLT, Chair

 

____________________________

CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair