Honolulu, Hawaii
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Second State Legislature
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 29 entitled:
"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO SUPPORT EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM STRATEGIC PLAN,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Support efforts
to improve the Aquaculture Development
Program Strategic Plan; and
(2) Adopt the
recommendations made by Hatch Innovation
Services in its February 2024 report regarding the
Strategic Plan.
Your
Committee has received testimony in support of this measure from the Department
of Agriculture; Hawaiʻi Farm
Bureau; and one individual.
Your
Committee finds that Hawaiʻi’s
aquaculture industry has significant potential for growth and development due
to the State's unique advantages, including its favorable climate, access to
varied water temperatures, ongoing restorative aquaculture at Native Hawaiian
fishponds, and a strong aquaculture research environment. This measure
supports the Aquaculture Development Program’s ten-year strategic plan, aiming
to develop a robust, sustainable food-production system that will contribute
meaningfully to the community, economy, and environment.
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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 29 and recommends its adoption.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,
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CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair |
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