STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1768-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: S.B. No. 2990

S.D. 1

H.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 Finance, to which was referred S.B. No. 2990, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds for a cover crop reimbursement pilot program to reimburse qualifying farming operations in the State for acquisition costs for cover crop seeds, green manure, or compost.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one member of the Hawai‘i County Council; Kauai Women's Caucus; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Women Organizing for Change in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action; Down to Earth; 350Hawaii.org; Climate Protectors Hawai‘i; Hawai‘i Food+ Policy Internship; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General; Department of Budget and Finance; Department of Agriculture; University of Hawai‘i System; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; and Hawai‘i Farmers Union United.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2990, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

SYLVIA LUKE, Chair