STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1269-18

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2018

RE: S.B. No. 2572

S.D. 2

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2018

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred S.B. No. 2572, S.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to support Hawaii's agricultural sector by appropriating funds to the Department of Agriculture to:

(1) Conduct import substitution projects to encourage Hawaii farmers and growers to identify and grow food and nonfood alternative products to phase out imports of high-risk pathway foods and commodities by 2027; and

(2) Produce outreach materials to encourage Hawaii residents to buy local products and foster a sense of pride and self-responsibility in protecting Hawaii's agriculture, environment, and lifestyle.

Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc., Hawai‘i Farm Bureau, Oahu County Committee on Legislative Priorities of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, Sierra Club of Hawaii, Big Island Invasive Species Committee, and a few concerned individuals supported this measure. The Department of Agriculture submitted comments on this measure.

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. 2572, S.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

RICHARD P. CREAGAN, Chair