STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1684

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 773

H.D. 1

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. 773, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys for the establishment of grant specialist positions within the Department of Agriculture to assist farmers and ranchers in applying for, obtaining, and fulfilling the requirements of grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, and private entities.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Local Food Coalition, Purple Maia Foundation, Ulupono Initiative, and one individual.

Your Committee recognizes that the application process for grant funding is complex and requires expertise to complete responsive grant packages. Your Committee finds that providing technical assistance through grant specialists available to farmers and ranchers will help maximize the funding available to support the State's agricultural sector.

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. 773, H.D. 1, 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