STAND. COM. REP. NO. 683

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 552

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. 552, 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 require the Department of Agriculture to establish a healthy soils program and submit an annual report to the Legislature.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Citizen's Climate Lobby, Green Party of Hawaii, Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Reef and Ocean Coalition and Climate Protectors Hawaii, Kauai Climate Action Coalition, Purple Mai`a, WOCAN, 350 Hawaii, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that healthy soils are essential for meeting the State's local food production needs and goals. As the State faces increasing threats from invasive pests and extreme climate events, a healthy soils program can help ensure food security and resilience. Your Committee further finds that this measure will provide necessary support for the Department of Agriculture to establish a healthy soils program and improve soil health across the State.

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. 552, 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