STAND. COM. REP. NO. 553

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1272

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 1272 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish and appropriate funds for a program specialist position within the Department of Agriculture for grant writing, technical assistance, and related activities; and

(2) Prioritize assistance for farmers and ranchers who produce local food that is at least partially consumed within the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Kanalani Ohana Farm; Ulupono Initiative; Food+ Policy Internship 2023; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that farmers and ranchers in the State are in need of financial resource and skill support to increase food production in Hawaii. Your Committee further finds that many federal programs are dedicated to state departments or agencies that can apply for funding to support local initiatives. Establishing a position at the Department of Agriculture that will prioritize grant opportunities is extremely timely, not only to meet the needs of local farmers and ranchers, but also to make the most of the funding opportunities made available by the federal government. This measure funds and establishes a position within the Department of Agriculture to assist ranchers and farmers in securing funding through available grants to ensure access to capital for operations to succeed.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1272 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair