STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3282

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2418

H.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred H.B. No. 2418, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Amend the focus, scope, and management of the Agribusiness Development Corporation;

(2) Appropriate funds to the Agribusiness Development Corporation for a consultant and account and for security on Agribusiness Development Corporation property; and

(3) Repeal the requirement that all agricultural projects, development plans, and facility programs developed by the Agribusiness Development Corporation be approved by the Board of Agriculture.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness Development Corporation, Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action, Hawai‘i Seed, Hawai‘i Farm Bureau, Kauai Women's Caucus, Pesticide Action Network, Restore the Commons, Lapa‘au Farm LLC, Free Access Coalition, and twenty-four individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance and Hawai‘i Food+ Policy.

Your Committee finds that the Agribusiness Development Corporation plays a crucial role in the development and expansion of Hawaii's agricultural industry. With the State's goal of achieving increased food self-sufficiency, the Agribusiness Development Corporation is more important than ever. However, it is essential that the Agribusiness Development Corporation's focus align with the State's local food production objectives. This measure revises the Agribusiness Development Corporation's focus and removes certain requirements for the Corporation to obtain Board of Agriculture approval. This measure also provides appropriations to allow the Agribusiness Development Corporation to retain services for consulting, accounting, and security.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2418, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair