STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2021

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 2692

       S.D. 1

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred S.B. No. 2692 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish the agricultural development and food security program to encompass all aspects of agriculture from farm to market.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Pacific Resource Partnership, Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Kona Coffee Farmers Association, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, and two individuals.

     Your Committee finds that in order to move Hawaii's agricultural industry forward and meet the sustainability needs of the State, it is necessary to establish a coordinated effort among state and federal agencies; agricultural, transportation, and research organizations; and the private sector.  This measure authorizes the Department of Agriculture to develop, coordinate, fund, and integrate new and existing programs, facilities, and projects in order to promote the development of agriculture and food security within the State.

     Your Committee notes from the testimony of the Kona Coffee Farmers Association ("KCFA") that consideration should be given to help protect "Point of Origin" agricultural products.  The Committee also recognizes KCFA's concern that industry groups affected by decisions made by the Department of Agriculture as part of the agricultural development and food security program be given adequate notice of the proposed changes.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     While your Committee recognizes the importance of KCFA's testimony, it notes that the amendments suggested by KCFA's are not a part of the technical, nonsubstantive amendments agreed to by your Committee.

     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 S.B. No. 2692, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2692, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

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

____________________________

CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair