STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1170

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 303

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 303 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO GARDENS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to facilitate the establishment of gardens on certain property controlled by the State.

Specifically, the measure:

(1) Authorizes the Department of Education to develop programs that provide incentives for the development of gardens on school property; and

(2) Authorizes the Hawaii Community Development Authority to develop programs that provide incentives for the development of gardens in housing projects, communities, and schools.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the University of Hawaii, Department of Health, Hawaii County Council, Hawaii State Teachers Association, and two individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Education and Hawaii Farm to School Hui.

Your Committee finds that school and community gardens can strengthen partnerships between state agencies, improve access to healthy food options, increase consumption of healthy fruits and vegetables, and reinforce behaviors that reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

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. 303 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