STAND. COM. REP. NO. 889-20

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2020

RE: H.B. No. 2358

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. 2358, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES TO LEASE PASTURE LANDS ON TERMS THAT PROMOTE COLLABORATIVE BENEFICIAL USE FOR FORESTRY, WILDLIFE, RECREATIONAL, AND FOOD PRODUCTION PURPOSES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Permit the Board of Land and Natural Resources to amend and extend pasture leases to further public purposes;

(2) Permit the Board of Land and Natural Resources to issue pasture leases by direct negotiation; and

(3) Require the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture to identify potentially transferable lands whose land use classification is at dispute and petition the Land Use Commission for a determination.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Conservation Council for Hawaii and two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Ponoholo Ranch Limited; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Ulupono Initiative; Ulupalakua Ranch; Kapapala Ranch; Kealia Ranch; Hawaii Farm Bureau; McCandless Ranch; and nine individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, Land Use Commission, and one individual.

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. 2358, 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