STAND. COM. REP. NO.  34

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2009

RE:   H.B. No. 242

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred H.B. No. 242 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to support value-added operations in Hawaii by appropriating funds, matched dollar-for-dollar by private sector funding, for the planning, repair, and modification of agricultural facilities at the former Del Monte operation on Oahu and at Maui Community College.

     The Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, and ILWU Local 142 supported this bill.  The University of Hawaii and a concerned individual supported the intent of this bill.  The Department of Agriculture submitted comments.

     Recognizing that value-added agricultural operations are already taking place at Maui Community College, it is not the intent of your Committee to interfere with the existing operations.

     In addition, while your Committee is in support of measures like this bill that support specific areas of the state, your Committee recognizes the importance of looking at agriculture in Hawaii from a broader perspective.  Noting the interdependence of the different areas within agriculture, a holistic approach to dealing with agricultural challenges may serve as an effective way to overcome these challenges.

     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 H.B. No. 242 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Higher Education.

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

____________________________

CLIFT TSUJI, Chair