STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3009

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2182

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2182, S.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish and fund a school garden coordinator position within the Department of Education to provide support and resources for schools interested in developing a school garden program.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Health, Department of Education, Climate Protectors Hawaii, Wild Kids, Food+ Policy, Hawaii Farm to School Hui, Hawaii Public Health Institute, Center for Getting Things Started, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Local Food Coalition, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Malama Kauai, Hawaii Youth Food Council, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Oahu Farm to School Network, and ten individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that establishing a position to support the development of school gardens will help to build positive learning experiences for children, improve student health, encourage the development of healthy eating habits, and enhance youth psychosocial development.

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. 2182, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair