STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1757

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: S.B. No. 1582

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 1582, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE COCONUT TREE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to recognize the coconut palm as a culturally significant plant and sustainable staple food source in the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Niu Now/Uluniu; Hawai‘i Food+ Policy; Ohana Unity Party; Hawai‘i Farmers Union; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that coconut palms are a significant and underutilized natural resource in Hawaii. Your Committee further finds that the coconut palm is an enduring symbol of Native Hawaiian culture. Therefore, this measure formally recognizes the coconut palm as a culturally significant plant and staple food source in the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1582, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair