STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1526

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1450

H.D. 2

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1450, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CLIMATE RESILIENCY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish and appropriate moneys for a three-year climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program to be administered by the Department of Agriculture.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, 350 Hawaii, Purple Maia Foundation, and one individual.

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

Your Committee finds that the pilot program established and funded by this measure will help the State increase local food production, enhance climate resilience, improve food security, and support Hawaii's small to mid-sized farms.

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 H.B. No. 1450, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair