STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3568

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 1982

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1982, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS TO ASSIST BIG ISLAND DAIRY, LLC,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to authorize the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds to assist Big Island Dairy, LLC, in an agricultural enterprise.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Farm Bureau; Ulupono Initiative; Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council, Inc.; The Local Food Coalition; Ponoholo Ranch; Big Island Dairy, LLC; Hawaii Foodservice Alliance, LLC; and two individuals.

     Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from one individual.  Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

     Your Committee finds that this measure supports the local food industry and furthers the State's goal of food self-sufficiency.  Your Committee also finds that Big Island Dairy, LLC's operation of its dairy farm in Ookala is an agricultural enterprise under part X, chapter 39A, Hawaii Revised Statutes.  Your Committee further finds that the issuance of special purpose revenue bonds under this measure is in the public interest and for the public health, safety, and general welfare.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1982, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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JILL N. TOKUDA, Chair