STAND. COM. REP. NO. 443

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: H.B. No. 96

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred H.B. No. 96 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to increase the maximum area for each agricultural shade cloth structure, cold frame, or greenhouse not used as a dwelling or lodging unit, that qualifies the structure for exemption from building permit and building code requirements.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Farming LLC, Big Island Produce Asset Holdings LLC, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Aloun Farms.

Your Committee finds that increasing the square footage in area per agricultural shade cloth structure, cold frame, and greenhouse that qualifies for exemption from building permit and building code requirements provides more flexibility in the types of structures used for agricultural purposes. Broadening the exemption to encompass certain larger agricultural structures will aid in furthering agricultural production and development in 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. 96 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

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

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair