STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1129

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: H.C.R. No. 188

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 188 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION, AND HAWAII EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, TO CONDUCT A STUDY TO RECOMMEND TO THE LEGISLATURE HOW TO SUPPORT GREATER LOCAL PRODUCTION OF FOOD,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request:

(1) The Legislative Reference Bureau, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Taxation, and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, to conduct a study to recommend to the Legislature how to support greater local production of food; and

(2) The Legislative Reference Bureau to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature prior to the 2022 Regular Session.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Ulupono Initiative and four individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Taxation, Department of Agriculture, Office of Planning, and Legislative Reference Bureau.

Your Committee finds that an estimated eighty-five percent of Hawaii's food is imported, which makes Hawaii particularly vulnerable to outside factors, including natural disasters, diseases, and other national and global events. Your Committee finds that greater investment in establishing more local production of food will lead to economic, social, and environmental benefits for Hawaii, as well as address the State's dependence on imports for food. This measure supports a collaborative approach to strengthen the local production of food in Hawaii and address local food access and production needs in the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 188 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair