STAND. COM. REP. NO.  35

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2009

RE:   H.B. No. 663

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. 663 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to address the problem of costly livestock feed imported from the mainland and ensure the long-term viability of Hawaii's livestock industry by directing the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH-CTAHR) to determine the feasibility of developing an animal feed industry within the state.

     The Hawaii Cattlemen's Council and Maui Cattlemen's Association supported this bill.  The Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation and Big Island Farm Bureau supported this measure with amendments.  The Department of Agriculture and UH supported the intent of this bill.  Animal Rights Hawaii opposed this measure.

     Your Committee encourages UH-CTAHR to consider a realistic timetable and goals for the development of a livestock feed industry in Hawaii, if determined to be feasible under this study. 

     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. 663 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