STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3721

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2192

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 2192, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to increase the maximum area for each agricultural shade cloth structure, cold frame, and greenhouse that could qualify the structure for an exemption from building permit and building code requirements.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Farming, LLC; The Kohala Center; Big Island Produce Asset Holdings LLC; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Ulupono Initiative; and four individuals.

Your Committees find that this measure is narrowly-tailored to agricultural structures meant for agricultural production. Your Committees further find that this measure will drastically cut construction costs and effectively utilize the open areas currently required between smaller greenhouses. According to testimony received by your Committees, this measure will make farming more productive and profitable for farmers and help Hawaii reach its self-sustaining food production goals.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1) Adding language granting the right of entry to appropriate county fire departments and building permitting agencies for inspections;

(2) Adding language subjecting any violation to county enforcement agency and certain fines; and

(3) Making it effective upon its approval.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2192, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2192, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs,

________________________________ CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair

________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair