STAND. COM. REP. NO. 259

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 890

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committees on Energy and Environment and Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 890 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INTEGRATED STRATEGIES FOR STATEWIDE FOOD AND ENERGY CROP PRODUCTION,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to reduce the State's dependency on fossil fuels.

     Specifically, this measure appropriates $450,000, for fiscal year 2007-2008, for the University of Hawaii Center for Conservation Research and Training to develop comprehensive agricultural management practices to facilitate the sustainable production of crops through the long-term enhancement of soil quality using ecologically-responsible means.

     Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the University of Hawai‘i System, Garden Island Resource Conservation and Development, Inc., Hawaiian Mahogany, Inc., Joule Junction, LLC, Kauai County Farm Bureau, and two individuals.

     Your Committees find that this measure provides for a critical sustainable agriculture strategies and education program that would allow Hawaii to increase both our food and energy production while reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and increasing state employment.  This measure will support local farmers and provide for a potential alternative crop, thereby reducing Hawaii's dependence on off island food and energy providers.

     Your Committees find these are important goals for the public interest and that the appropriation made by this measure is a good use of state resources.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy and Environment and Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 890 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Energy and Environment and Water, Land, Agriculture, and Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________ RUSSELL S. KOKUBUN, Chair

____________________________ RON MENOR, Chair