STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1703

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.R. No. 144

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education & Technology, to which was referred H.R. No. 144 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA COLLEGE OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURE AND HUMAN RESOURCES TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO EVALUATE UPDATING ITS EXTENSION SITES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to convene a working group to evaluate updating its extension sites.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawai‘i System.

Your Committee finds that modern agricultural research, extension, and education facilities provide the foundation for cutting-edge research and applied science solutions that address climate change, agricultural profitability, food safety, biosecurity, nutrition, and food security. Despite the recognized importance of these facilities and the work they pursue, the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources is facing unprecedented infrastructure challenges due to years of underinvestment and deferred maintenance. Your Committee further finds that convening a working group to evaluate updating the college's extension sites will help to identify investments that will in turn spur new economic opportunities and innovations for farmers, ranchers, and producers across the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education & Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 144 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education & Technology,

____________________________

AMY A. PERRUSO, Chair