STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3332

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2782

S.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2782, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require and appropriate funds for the Department of Education to develop and implement a plant-based food and beverage program.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Blue Zones Project, Climate Protectors Coalition, Vegetarian Society of Hawaii, Friends of the Earth, Kahana Foundation, 350Hawaii.org, and several individuals.

Your Committee received written comments in opposition to this measure from Thompson Ranch; Ponoholo Ranch Limited; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council; Hawaii Meats, LLC; Ulupalakua Ranch; Kealia Ranch; Maui Cattle Company; and several individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from an individual.

Your Committee finds that there is growing evidence to support the benefits of plant-based diets and plant-based milk options. Exposing students to plant-based meals and plant-based milk options can shift students' perceptions about healthy foods, which can influence eating behaviors outside of the school environment and into adulthood.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the measure; and

(2) Making technical nonsubstantive changes for purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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 S.B. No. 2782, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2782, S.D. 2.

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

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair