Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 293, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to appropriate funds for the Department of Agriculture (DOA) to study the feasibility of establishing a world class farmers' market.

The Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, Hawaii Aquaculture Association, Meadow Gold Dairies, and Pineapple Growers Association of Hawaii submitted testimony in support of this bill. DOA and the Hawaii Community Development Authority submitted testimony in support of the intent of this bill.

Your Committee finds that the concept of a world-class farmers' market in Hawaii is one that is worth exploring. However, your Committee notes that while it may serve a useful purpose as a marketing asset and attraction for the State, a farmers' market may not provide the entire "agricultural experience" as is provided by agritourism venues. Your Committee therefore hopes that a good balance can be established between the commercial and farm-oriented aspects of agricultural marketing to effectively and accurately represent our agricultural industry.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 293, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.