STAND. COM. REP. NO. 301

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1185

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 Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 1185 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish within the Department of Agriculture a working group to review and make recommendations on amending or repealing unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture; and

(2) Appropriate funds.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the East Oʻahu County Farm Bureau; Hawaii Agriculture Research Center; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; Hawaii Fish Company, Inc.; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii; and four individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture.

Your Committee finds that this measure, by establishing a working group within the Department of Agriculture, facilitates a comprehensive review of existing laws to identify and either amend or repeal those that may be unnecessary or obsolete. This approach recognizes the evolving nature of the agricultural sector, which faces new challenges and opportunities that outdated laws may no longer address effectively.

Your Committee further finds that Hawaii's farmers and ranchers face significant regulatory challenges that can hinder agricultural growth and innovation. Many existing agricultural laws and regulations were established decades ago and may no longer align with the needs of modern farming practices, advancements in technology, and the State's goal of increasing local food production. A dedicated working group will provide an opportunity for agricultural stakeholders, policymakers, and regulatory agencies to collaborate in ensuring that the State's agricultural laws and policies are relevant, effective, and supportive of a resilient and sustainable food system.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Adding a representative of the Hawaii Farmers Union to the working group;

(2) Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1185, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1185, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

________________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair