STAND. COM. REP. NO. 173-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.B. No. 2144

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 2144 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish the Access to Local Value-Added Products Act and allow homemade food operations to sell homemade food products, under certain conditions.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Agribusiness Development Corporation; Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers; Kanalani Ohana Farm; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Master Food Preservers, Inc.; Makani Mills, LLC; Grassroot Institute of Hawaii; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Institute for Justice; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Health. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture.

Your Committee finds that local food production is integral to the State's economic development and food security. Your Committee further finds that although there is great interest in small-scale homemade food operations in the State, the existing regulatory framework creates several challenges for entrepreneurs, including those who do not have access to commercial or certified kitchens. This measure would provide a valuable opportunity for local entrepreneurs to bring their homemade food products to market, fostering innovation and economic growth and increasing food security in the State.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing its effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2144, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2144, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,

____________________________

CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair