STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3658

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.C.R. No. 203

       H.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2016

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Water, Land, and Agriculture and Economic Development, Environment, and Technology, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 203, H.D. 1, entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO PROMOTE THE EXPANSION OF AGRICULTURAL COMMERCE,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Department of Agriculture to promote the expansion of agricultural commerce by engaging in consultations and discussions with various stakeholders to facilitate the ability for farmers to construct enclosed country stores on agriculture-zoned lands.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and one individual.

     Your Committees find that farmers who live on agricultural land are currently prohibited by zoning laws from constructing and operating enclosed country stores to sell products grown or crafted from their farms.  Your Committees further find that enclosed country stores would be a simple and effective way for many farmers to generate additional revenue, provide the public with greater access to local agricultural products, and increase support and awareness of local agriculture.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Water, Land, and Agriculture and Economic Development, Environment, and Technology that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 203, H.D. 1, and recommend its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Water, Land, and Agriculture and Economic Development, Environment, and Technology,

________________________________ GLENN WAKAI, Chair

________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair