STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1530

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 480

       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 Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 480, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to promote the growth of the agriculture industry and foster agricultural learning opportunities on the island of Hawaii.

     Specifically, the measure:

(1)  Appropriates funds for the Hawaii Community College and University of Hawaii at Hilo, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and the Agribusiness Development Corporation, to study existing agriculture program areas for possible collaborative efforts between the two campuses and new agriculture opportunities on the island of Hawaii, and develop a holistic approach to the growth of agriculture and agricultural learning opportunities on the island of Hawaii; and

(2)  Requires the Hawaii Community College to submit a report to the Legislature before the 2018 legislative session.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness Development Corporation, University of Hawaii, Office of the Mayor of the County of Hawaii, and Hawaii Farm Bureau.

     Your Committee finds that the island of Hawaii has the potential to be a strong agricultural contributor to the State, given its nutrient rich soil, tropical climate, and abundance of affordable land.  Your Committee recognizes that investing more fully in the existing agricultural learning opportunities provided by the Hawaii Community College and University of Hawaii at Hilo, while also developing new educational opportunities, will help to strengthen the State's agricultural industry.

     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. 480, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

________________________________

JILL N. TOKUDA, Chair