STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1181

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.B. No. 249

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 249, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Transfer the Hawaii Child Nutrition Programs Agency from the Department of Education to the Department of Human Services; and

(2) Appropriate funds for grants to be administered by the Hawaii Child Nutrition Programs Agency and for positions within the Program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Kuwale Ridge Farms, Climate Protectors Hawaii, Kohana Family Farms, Hawai‘i Farmers Union United, Hawai‘i Public Health Institute, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Local Food Coalition, Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action, Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice, Hawai‘i Children's Action Network Speaks!, and seven individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Education, Department of Human Services, and Hawaii Child Nutrition Programs.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 249, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair