STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1603

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 308

H.D. 1

S.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 308, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to increase sustainability within Hawaii's food systems.

Specifically, this measure:

(1) Establishes a Sustainable Food Systems Working Group to develop an interagency food systems plan; and

(2) Appropriates moneys to the Sustainable Food Systems Working Group.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the University of Hawaii, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Chamber of Sustainable Commerce, Good Food Movement, `Ai Pohaku--The Stone Eaters, Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Ulupono Initiative, Climate Protectors Hawaii, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Hawaii Farmers Union United, Wild Kids, Hawaii Food Industry Association, and sixteen individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health.

Your Committee finds that the development of a sustainable food system will provide Hawaii residents with equitable access to nutritional food that is produced with minimal impact on the environment while also increasing the vitality of the State's food and agricultural sector.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Clarifying that the working group is responsible for developing an interagency food systems plan that includes a governance structure and implementation plan;

(2) Clarifying that the member of the Sustainable Food Systems Working Group representing the Hawaii Farmers Union United shall be selected by that entity's president; and

(3) Making technical nonsubstantive amendments for purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 308, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 308, H.D. 1, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair