STAND. COM. REP. NO. 608

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.B. No. 946

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 Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 946 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE FOOD SUPPLY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require and appropriate funds for the Agribusiness Development Corporation to plan, design, construct, and operate a new animal slaughterhouse on the island of Oahu.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness Development Corporation, Hawaii Sustainable Beef Enterprises, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Hawai‘i Farmers Union United, 2 Lady Farmers, Hawai‘i Farm Bureau, Island Farms, and two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Animal Rights Hawai‘i and one individual . Your Committee received comments on this measure from Farm Link Hawai‘i, Piko Provisions, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that a new slaughterhouse for small animals such as hogs, sheep, and goats would provide fresh, clean, locally sourced meat, thereby allowing Hawaii's farmers and ranchers to pursue new market opportunities and better manage consumer and producer demand along the supply chain.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to June 30, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 946, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 946, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,

____________________________

CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair