STAND. COM. REP. NO. 282
Honolulu, Hawaii
S.D. 1
President of the Senate
Twenty-Seventh State Legislature
State of Hawaii
Madam:
Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred S.B. No. 993 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL LOANS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to modify the new farmer loan program under the Department of Agriculture to promote the development of innovative technologies and new farm enterprises.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture.
Your Committee finds that a major concern regarding the sustainability of agriculture in Hawaii is a lack of agricultural entrepreneurs. This is especially pressing due to the fact that the average age of a farm operator in Hawaii is approximately 59 years. This measure will provide the needed capital for new farmers to start farming operations or to farmers interested in testing new crops or techniques.
Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of 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 S.B. No. 993, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 993, 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,
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CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair |
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