HB2744 HSCR194-02

 

STAND. COM. REP. NO.194-02

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2002

RE: H.B. No. 2744

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred H.B. No. 2744 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE FARMERS' MARKET,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to appropriate funds to the Department of Agriculture to assess the economic feasibility of establishing a world-class farmers market in Hawaii.

The Hawaii Farm Bureau, Pineapple Growers Association of Hawaii, Hawaii Aquaculture Association, Hawaii Community Development Authority, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Meadow Gold Dairies, Hawaii Thousand Friends, and Hawaii Agriculture Research Center testified in support of this measure. The Maui County Farm Bureau supported the intent of this measure. The Department of Agriculture commented on this measure.

Your Committee believes that a strong and viable agricultural industry is a fundamental component of Hawaii's economy and that the State must make every effort to pursue new and innovative ways to promote and develop it. Your Committee strongly believes that the initiative of establishing a world-class farmer's market in Hawaii will give local producers and farmers a much-needed venue in which to showcase their unique and high quality agricultural products. Most importantly, a world-class farmer's market will enhance the potential for economic growth by creating jobs and other opportunities for the benefit of the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2744 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.

 

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

 

		____________________________ FELIPE P. ABINSAY, Chair