STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2397

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2990

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. 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 funds for a cover crop reimbursement pilot program in the State for the costs of acquiring cover crop seeds, green manure, and compost.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; University of Hawai‘i; Hawai‘i Farmers Union United; Our Revolution Hawaii; Larry Jefts Farms, LLC; Birds With Arms Farms; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; 350Hawaii.org; Adaptations, Inc; and thirty-six individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that this measure supports the use of cover crops, green manure, and compost by Hawaii's agricultural producers through a pilot program. The pilot program will increase agricultural productivity and align agricultural production with the State's sustainability goals.

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. 2990 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,

________________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair