STAND. COM. REP. NO. 862

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.B. No. 1359

H.D. 2

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. 1359, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HEMP,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to amend the existing regulatory framework for hemp production in the State by:

(1) Repealing redundant regulations;

(2) Amending the hemp law in a manner that recognizes the unique constraints of Hawaii farmers, while protecting human health;

(3) Allowing licensed hemp producers to sell hemp biomass;

(4) Requiring commercial hemp producers under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture to identify the percentage of Hawaii-grown hemp or hemp product in all hemp products on the label;

(5) Requiring and appropriating funds for the Department of Health to hire or consult a toxicologist or consultant familiar with hemp industry standards for the purpose of setting defined action limits or exposure levels for different types of hemp products; and

(6) Extending the State's hemp processor law through July 1, 2027.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from four individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Department of the Attorney General, Hawai‘i Hemp Farmers Association, Kauai Hemp Co., Hawai‘i Farmers Union United, and two individuals.

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. 1359, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair