STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3428

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.C.R. No. 29

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, 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 and intent of this measure is to urge the Department of Agriculture to:

(1) Support efforts to improve the Aquaculture Development Program Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan); and

(2) Adopt the recommendations made by Hatch Innovation Services in its February 2024 report regarding the Strategic Plan.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Malama Makua, and five individuals.

Your Committee finds that although the State's aquaculture sector is already well-established, more investment and resources are necessary to strengthen and build the capacity for this growing industry. This measure supports efforts to achieve the dual goals of increasing aquaculture food production and supporting initiatives for restorative aquaculture, thereby increasing the economic resilience and food sustainability of the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment 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 and Environment,

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair