STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1784

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 316

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. 316, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE GREEN JOBS YOUTH CORPS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys to the Department of Land and Natural Resources for the continuation of the Green Jobs Youth Corps program.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii State Energy Office, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Coalition Earth, Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association, Hawaii Energy, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Forest Industry Association, Holomua Collaborative, Kupu, Malama Pupukea‑Waimea, Nature Conservancy, 350 Hawaii, and six individuals.

Your Committee finds that the Green Jobs Youth Corps program has been a success, and that the program has become an important part of the State's strategy to diversify the economy and reach its environmental and energy self-sufficiency goals. Your Committee further finds that the program is an investment in the State's future, building a network of young adults who are interested in working in critical sustainability-related professions. Your Committee, therefore, recognizes the value of continuing to fund this important program.

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. 316, 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