STAND. COM. REP. NO. 519

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: H.B. No. 275

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 275 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TARO,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to assist taro farmers in meeting the costs of cultivating taro for consumption.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Hawai‘i Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, Hawai‘i Farm Bureau, Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action, Hawai‘i Farmers Union United, Food+ Policy, and five individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Department of the Attorney General, and one individual.

Your Committee finds that taro is important to Hawaii's cultural identity and food security and sustainability.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Establishing standards for the grant program;

(2) Changing its effective date to June 30, 3000, to encourage further discussion; 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 Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 275, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 275, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,

____________________________

CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES, Chair