STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2811

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2329

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2329 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AQUACULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys to support aquacultural efforts of the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Marine Science Learning Center at Waianae High School, Alii Pauahi Hawaiian Civic Club, Food+ Policy, Hanalei Watershed Hui, Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii SEED, Kuaaina Ulu Auamo, Kumuola Marine Science Education Center, Maunalua Fishpond Heritage Center, and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that native fish hatcheries contribute to food security, cultural preservation, and education and collaboration. Your Committee further finds that dependable hatchery operations are a key component to sustained aquaculture development.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the appropriations from $4,500,000 and $150,000, respectively, to unspecified amounts;

(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion on the measure; and

(3) 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 Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2329, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2329, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair