STAND. COM. REP. NO. 706-20

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2020

RE: H.B. No. 1892

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1892, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO A FOOD HUB PILOT PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to increase access to local food by establishing and appropriating funds for a five-year Food Hub Pilot Program, to be administered by the Department of Agriculture, to award grants to qualified applicants for the construction of critical infrastructure to establish or expand a food hub in Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Planning, Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice, Maui Chamber of Commerce, Center for Getting Things Started, Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union United, North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership, Maui Farmers Union United, Hawaii Farmers Union United - Haleakala Chapter, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Kahana Foundation, National Hemp Association, Aa Lii Farm, La Kahea LLC, When We Shine Foundation, Oahu Farm to School Network, Alternative Structures International dba Kahumana Organic Farms, Kokua Kalihi Valley, Farm Link Hawaii, Blue Zones Project, Aloha Harvest, and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Jones Family Farm.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1892, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

SYLVIA LUKE, Chair