STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1133-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: S.B. No. 2615

S.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred S.B. No. 2615, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to amend the composition of the Board of Agriculture by providing representation from the islands of Lanai and Molokai.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from two members of the Maui County Council, Pūlama Lāna‘i, Red Sea Hawaii Connection LLC, Sensei Ag Farm Lāna‘i, and four individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture.

Your Committee finds that representation on the Board of Agriculture from residents of all islands provides desired diversity and statewide representation of knowledge and perspectives in decision making and policymaking. A geographically diverse Board of Agriculture membership will also enable the Board to better address the complex needs of each island's agricultural community and the broader needs of agriculture 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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2615, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

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

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair