STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3132

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2990

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2990 entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

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

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from a member of the Hawaii County Council; Malama Kauai; 350Hawaii; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Hawaii Farmers Union United; Hawaii Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council; Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action; Green Party Hawaii; Climate Protectors Hawaii; Food+ Policy Internship; Pele Lani Farm, LLC; Kauai Climate Action Coalition; Growing Together Edible Landscaping; and numerous individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that the use of cover crops, green manure, and compost facilitates agricultural productivity and is consistent with the State's sustainability goals. Your Committee believes that appropriate incentives for the acquisition and use of these materials will improve the quality and sustainability of the State's agricultural lands.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Excluding bermuda grass and other invasive or fast-growing grasses from the definitions of "cover crop" and "green manure";

(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the measure; and

(3) Making technical nonsubstantive changes for purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair