STAND. COM. REP. NO.  135

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2011

RE:   H.B. No. 1380

      H.D. 1

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2011

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred H.B. No. 1380 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HAWAII-GROWN PRODUCE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to encourage the use of local produce in Hawaii schools by:

     (1)  Establishing a farm-to-school program in the Department of Education (DOE) to increase procurement of locally-grown fruits and vegetables;

     (2)  Establishing the Hawaii-grown fresh fruit and vegetable program in DOE to facilitate consumption of locally-produced nutritious snacks to improve student health and expand the market for locally-grown produce; and

     (3)  Authorizing schools to grow food in school gardens for consumption in schools.

     This bill also requires the Department of Human Services to establish a pilot program to contract with local farmers to provide Hawaii-grown produce to low-income individuals through designated food banks.

     The Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation (HFBF), Kokua Hawaii Foundation's 'AINA In Schools Program, Hawaii Diabetic Association, Papa Ola Lokahi, and several concerned individuals supported this bill.  The Department of Agriculture (DOA), Hawaii Association of Independent Schools, and Hawaii Island School Garden Network supported the intent of this bill.  DOE submitted comments.

     Your Committee recognizes that during the public hearing on this measure, the idea of a working group was raised to provide improved planning and better implementation of the programs established in this measure.  A resolution establishing a working group may serve as an alternative vehicle in fulfilling the objectives of this bill and other bills currently being considered by the Legislature that address the issue of increasing procurement of local agricultural products by public schools. 

     Your Committee is cognizant of the testimony provided by DOA and HFBF regarding concerns with previous legislation, such as section 3 of Act 175, Session Laws of Hawaii 2009, which removed the exemption for fresh meats and produce from the Hawaii Public Procurement Code.  Your Committee also notes that HFBF has submitted a suggested amendment to specifically include DOE's Food Service Department within the farm-to-school program.

     Your Committee intends to continue discussions on these issues as this measure moves forward in the legislative process.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing its effective date to July 1, 2020, to encourage further discussion; and

     (2)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for style, clarity, and consistency.

     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. 1380, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1380, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Education.

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

____________________________

CLIFT TSUJI, Chair