STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2395

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2960

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. 2960 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD SAFETY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Agriculture to partner with the State's agriculture community to establish and implement a food safety certification program and to appropriate funds.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Food Industry Association, North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership, Ulupono Initiative, Hawai‘i Farm Bureau, and five individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii is the most geographically isolated state in the country. The State's geographical isolation places it at greater risk for food supply chain disruption and highlights the need for greater food self-sufficiency. Additionally, food self-sufficiency presents an important economic goal and opportunity for the State. This measure supports food-self sufficiency by helping local farmers meet Food and Drug Administration food safety standards.

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. 2960 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