STAND. COM. REP. NO. 560

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1586

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Higher Education and Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 1586 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN RESOURCES,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds for the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to establish five full-time equivalent (5.0 FTE) extension agent positions.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawai‘i System; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Kualoa Ranch, Inc.; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawaii Sustainable Beef Enterprises, LLC; Ulupono Initiative; University of Hawaii Professional Assembly; Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association; and eight individuals.

Your Committees find that the research, outreach, and education provided by the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources' Cooperative Extension is critical to the health and well-being of Hawaii's agricultural ranchers and growers. New diseases, pests, and changing environmental conditions brought on by climate change have increased the need for the Extension's services. Despite this increased demand, staffing shortages continue to limit the Extension's capacity. To increase the Extension's capacity to support local producers, this measure appropriates funds for five full-time equivalent (5.0 FTE) Extension Agent positions specializing in entomology, livestock, and farm and consumer food safety.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Higher Education and Agriculture and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1586 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Higher Education and Agriculture and Environment,

________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair

________________________________ DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair