STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3142

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1815

H.D. 1

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 Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism, to which was referred H.B. No. 1815, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to include agritourism in the definition of "enterprise" to authorize the Agribusiness Development Corporation to financially support businesses engaged in agritourism.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Office of the Mayor of the County of Maui, Hawai‘i Farm Bureau, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, and one individual.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United.

Your Committee finds that agritourism comes with economic benefits for farmers and ranchers. From generating additional income and direct marketing to preserving farms, farmland, and local culture and traditions, agritourism diversifies farmers' income streams, meaning they can make money outside of their regular planting season. This measure will diversify the State's economy in a holistic way that positions the tourism industry to give back to the State's communities.

Your Committee has amended this measure by inserting an effective date of January 1, 2060, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1815, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1815, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism,

________________________________

LYNN DECOITE, Chair