STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2280

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 2077

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred S.B. No. 2077 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE MAUI FOOD INNOVATION CENTER,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds for renovation and equipment for a value-added food production and business incubation facility located in the former campus cafeteria kitchen of the University of Hawaii Maui College, known as the Maui Food Innovation Center.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaii Community Colleges; University of Hawaii Maui College; Hawaii Strategic Development Corporation; Hawaii Technology Development Corporation; Hawaii Food Manufacturers Association; Food Spectrum, LLC; Whole Foods Market; and two individuals. 

     Your Committee finds that the renovation and equipping of the Maui Food Innovation Center would improve the economic stability and capacity of farmers, ranchers, and fishermen; agricultural cooperatives; food entrepreneurs; existing small and midsized food companies; retail and food service establishments; Native Hawaiian cultural agriculture; and community food programs by providing access to research and development capabilities, food business planning, market research, quality assurance and food safety, product and process development, and other services not currently available in Maui County.

     Your Committee further finds that the Maui Food Innovation Center will also build on the Maui Culinary Academy program at the University of Hawaii Maui College by providing faculty and students with opportunities for applied research, experiential learning, and workforce development and training within an expanding and evolving food industry.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2077 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,

____________________________

BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair