STAND. COM. REP. NO. 430-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.B. No. 2001

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 Water & Land, to which was referred H.B. No. 2001, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RESTORATIVE AQUACULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Agriculture's Aquaculture Development Program to conduct a feasibility study to identify potential sites in the State for restorative aquaculture activities.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo; Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association; Hulu Mamo Hawaiian Civic Club; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; The Nature Conservancy; and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that the State is well-positioned geographically and well-suited for restorative aquaculture due to its favorable climate, critical ocean biosecurity through natural isolation, and high seafood consumption. Your Committee further finds that Act 63, Session Laws of Hawaii 2019, appropriated funds to revitalize the Aquaculture Development Program. This measure will further develop the program by exploring potential sites for restorative aquaculture activities that will help the economy and environment.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2001, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

LINDA ICHIYAMA, Chair