STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2238

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2287

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism and Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 2287 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE NATURAL ENERGY LABORATORY OF HAWAII AUTHORITY,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to include in the duties of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority, the duty to support research, development, and commercialization of aquaculture.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Farm Bureau. Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority.

Your Committees find that Hawaii's favorable climate and geography allow for inherent advantages in aquaculture production. Hawaii's aquaculture production generates over $70 million in revenues per year, making it the fifth-highest contributor to the economy in diversified agriculture with great potential for further expansion. According to testimony from the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority, it currently manages aquaculture tenants and supports the development of aquaculture.

Your Committees further find that a revitalized aquaculture industry could provide additional economic development opportunities for rural communities statewide. Your Committees also find that supporting Hawaii's aquaculture industry aligns with the statewide goal of increasing local food production, reduces reliance on imported seafood, and increases local food security.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism and Agriculture and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2287 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism and Agriculture and Environment,

________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair

________________________________ GLENN WAKAI, Chair