STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2385

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2329

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Water and Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 2329 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AQUACULTURE,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds, including for positions, equipment, and maintenance and operating costs, to produce pua (juvenile stripe mullet) for fishponds and stock enhancement.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Marine Science Learning Center at Waiʻanae High School, Agricultural and Food Security Committee of the Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi, Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association, Kuaʻaina Ulu ʻAuamo, and two individuals.

Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committees find that mullet production contributes to food security, cultural preservation, education, and employment opportunities in aquaculture in the State. Your Committees recognize that currently there is strong interest and community engagement, especially from youth, in loko ai (traditional Hawaiian fishponds) and fishpond culture. According to testimony received by your Committees, mullet production is an important component to restore the health of traditional Hawaiian fishponds and their surrounding ecosystem. This measure will ensure a reliable source of stocking material for fishpond restoration efforts and wild stock enhancement for the benefit of the State.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Water and Land that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2329 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Agriculture and Environment and Water and Land,

________________________________ LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair

________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair