STAND. COM. REP. NO. 292

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 776

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. 776 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to amend the composition of the Board of Agriculture by requiring representation from the islands of Molokai and Lanai.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Hawai‘i Farmers Union United; Kuwale Ridge Farms; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawaii Farm Bureau; and five individuals.

Your Committee finds that the Board of Agriculture consists of ten members and is dedicated to the preservation and productive use of agricultural resources so as to assure a healthy and adequate food supply for Hawaii's people, providing employment, maintaining a favorable balance of trade, and preserving the aesthetic quality of the Hawaiian Islands. Three members must be a resident of the counties of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai, and the remaining seven seats are filled by representatives from various state departments, the University of Hawaii, or appointed by the Governor. Your Committee finds that while Molokai and Lanai have historically been represented by the Maui representative, there are complex and unique challenges on these islands that would be better addressed with appropriate representation on the Board of Agriculture.

Your Committee believes that, by increasing the membership of the Board of Agriculture from ten to twelve seats to include resident representatives from the islands of Molokai and Lanai, the State can ensure comprehensive, equitable access to and information on critical resources like federal grants, research and development initiatives, and interisland growth and collaboration opportunities on all islands. This measure takes a step forward in ensuring that all people in Hawaii have access to the same benefits that the Board of Agriculture strives to secure and is inclusive of input from all farm communities in the State.

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. 776 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