STAND. COM. REP. NO. 435-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.B. No. 1989

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 1989 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RAW MILK,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Authorize and decriminalize the sale of raw milk, raw milk products, and raw milk dairy products directly from producers to consumers for human consumption, subject to certain restrictions; and

(2) Authorize the sale of raw goat milk for pet consumption.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from The Public Pet; The Pet Depot; Weston A. Price Foundation; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Health; Department of Agriculture; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that many people would like to consume raw, unpasteurized milk and raw milk products based on the product's health benefits and taste. Additionally, raw milk can be produced safely and its sale is permitted in many other states. This measure allows Hawaii consumers who want to consume raw milk and raw milk products the opportunity to purchase these products.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 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. 1989, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1989, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce.

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

____________________________

CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair