STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2094

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: S.C.R. No. 141

S.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 Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 141, S.D. 1, entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO COLLABORATE WITH THE AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REGARDING GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure urges the Department of Agriculture to collaborate with the Agribusiness Development Corporation regarding grant funding opportunities with the United States Department of Agriculture to provide more support for local agricultural organizations or entities and encourage the development of a sustainable agricultural industry in the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Department of Agriculture, and Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau.

Your Committee finds that the Aloha+ Challenge goal of increasing local food production may require more available land for agricultural projects, and more available labor to support the production and distribution of products. Your Committee further finds that the United States Department of Agriculture provides grant opportunities to improve the development and performance of agricultural organizations and to provide funding and aid to local farmers and ranchers to promote their continued growth and performance. This measure urges the Department of Agriculture and the Agribusiness Development Corporation to collaborate for grant funding opportunities with the United States Department of Agriculture.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 141, S.D. 1, and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,

____________________________

KIRSTIN KAHALOA, Chair