STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2904

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 2430

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committees on Agriculture and Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 2430, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE SENIOR FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to make an appropriation for the senior farmers' market nutrition program.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Kokua Council, Hawaii Farmers Union United, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, and two individuals.

     Your Committees find that the senior farmers' market nutrition program provides low-income seniors with vouchers to exchange for eligible foods at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs.  In 2012, this program served more than 6,500 of Hawaii's seniors.  By supporting nutritional health, this program keeps Hawaii's seniors healthy and independent, while lowering the demand for medical services.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by making technical amendments to update and clarify language in the purpose section.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2430, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2430, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Agriculture and Human Services,

____________________________ SUZANNE CHUN OAKLAND, Chair

____________________________ CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair