STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1131

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: H.C.R. No. 61

H.D. 1

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. 61 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO ENSURE THE INCLUSION OF SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED FARMERS AND RANCHERS IN THE DEVELOPMENT, ADOPTION, IMPLEMENTATION, AND ENFORCEMENT OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE LAWS, RULES, POLICIES, AND PROGRAMS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Department of Agriculture to ensure the inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of food and agriculture laws, rules, policies, and programs.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Kuahiwi Ranch and five individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture.

Your Committee finds that this measure furthers the important conversation about supporting socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and takes meaningful action toward equity in agriculture in Hawaii. With increasing national awareness surrounding issues of equity, equity in agriculture is finally being given the attention that it deserves.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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. 61, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce in the form attached hereto as H.C.R. No. 61, H.D. 1.

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

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair