STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2394

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2955

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 S.B. No. 2955 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COMPOSTING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require the Department of Agriculture to establish a three-year compost reimbursement pilot program to provide reimbursements to farmers and ranchers when purchasing compost;

(2) Establish a temporary compost reimbursement pilot program manager position;

(3) Require a report to the legislature; and

(4) Appropriate funds for a compost reimbursement pilot program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action; Birds With Arms Farms; Hawai‘i Farmers Union United; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Adaptations, Inc.; and twenty-four individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that food waste constitutes a significant source of materials sent to landfills and that recycling food waste by converting it to compost has many environmental benefits. Notably, compost improves soil health, increases drought resistance, and reduces the need for supplemental water, fertilizers, and pesticides. Accordingly, this measure supports the State's efforts to improve agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

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 S.B. No. 2955 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