STAND. COM. REP. NO. 434-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.B. No. 2618

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 Water & Land, to which was referred H.B. No. 2618, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AQUACULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require and appropriate funds for the Department of Agriculture to conduct a feasibility study to identify potential sites in the State for an aquaculture park that promotes commercial aquaculture expansion.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that a feasibility study to identify potential sites in Hawaii for an aquaculture park is necessary in growing the State's aquaculture industry and reducing Hawaii's reliance on imported goods.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2618, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

LINDA ICHIYAMA, Chair