STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1214-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: S.B. No. 2989

S.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred S.B. No. 2989, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Require the Department of Agriculture to establish a Healthy Soils Program; and

(2) Establish a Healthy Soils Program Special Fund.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one member of the Hawai‘i County Council, Hawai‘i Farmers Union United, Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Climate Protectors Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i Farm Bureau, Down to Earth Organic and Natural, Kauai Women's Caucus, and nine individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that healthy soil is necessary for sustainable agricultural production and increased carbon sequestration in the State. This measure will provide assistance to and create incentives for farmers, ranchers, and landowners to take carbon negative actions and implement farm management practices that contribute to healthy soils.

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 S.B. No. 2989, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair