STAND. COM. REP. NO. 776

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 443

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 S.B. No. 443, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL LANDS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require lands within the agricultural land district that have solar energy facilities to obtain certification from the Department of Agriculture that the lands are also used for farming operations.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Malama Kauai, and 350 Hawaii.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture and State Energy Office.

Your Committee finds that the State has goals for both local food and agricultural production and renewable energy development. Your Committee further finds that there is growing concern regarding the use of agricultural lands for non-agricultural purposes. Your Committee believes that this measure will balance the State's renewable energy needs with its interest in preserving productive agricultural lands.

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 S.B. No. 443, 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