STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3477

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1992

H.D. 3

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred H.B. No. 1992, H.D. 3, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Permit composting and co-composting operations in agricultural districts, under certain conditions; and

(2) Establish and appropriate funds for an Environmental Health Specialist IV position in the Solid and Hazardous Waste Branch of the Department of Health.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Maui County Department of Environmental Management, Hawai‘i County Department of Environmental Management, Kauai Climate Action Coalition, Kauai Women's Caucus, Climate Protectors Hawai‘i, 350Hawaii.org, Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action, West Maui Green Cycle, Zero Waste Maui, Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, Our Revolution Hawaii, and thirty individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance, Department of Health, and Hawai‘i Farm Bureau.

Your Committee finds that allowing composting in agricultural districts will facilitate the production of local organic material that farmers can use to improve soil health, increase drought resistance, and reduce the need for supplemental water and fertilizer. However, composting is not currently permitted in agricultural districts, significantly hindering efforts to use organic material to improve crop yields. This measure permits composting and co-composting in agricultural districts under certain conditions to promote better use and management of organic waste materials.

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 H.B. No. 1992, H.D. 3, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair