STAND. COM. REP. NO. 946

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 446

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred H.B. No. 446, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR A DIVERSIFIED AGRICULTURAL PARK,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to make an appropriation for the acquisition of land, planning, design, and construction of an agricultural park in South Maui that could be used for diversified crops.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Kihei Community Association; Sierra Club of Hawai‘i; We Are One, Inc.; and nine individuals.

     Your Committee finds that agricultural parks support sustainable farming, diversified agriculture, and job creation.  Your Committee also finds that the recent closure of Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Company on the island of Maui presents an opportunity for the State to nurture the growth of small, sustainable farms capable of employing agricultural workers who have been affected by the plantation closure.  Your Committee finds that an agricultural park in South Maui would provide economic opportunities and increase local food production in the area in alignment with the State's goal of food sustainability.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Making it effective on July 1, 2017; and

     (2)  Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 446, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 446, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

________________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair