STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1189-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: S.B. No. 2329

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred S.B. No. 2329, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AQUACULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for mullet production for fishponds and stock enhancement in the State, including for new positions, equipment, maintenance, and operating costs for restorative aquaculture projects.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Department of Agriculture; Office of the Mayor of the County of Maui; Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo; Marine Science Learning Center at Waiʻanae High School; Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Pacific University Oceanic Institute; Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action; Hulu Mamo Hawaiian Civic Club; Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs; Green Party of Hawaiʻi; Kauai Climate Action Coalition; Paepae o Heʻeia; Hawaii Aquaculture and Aquaponics Association; and numerous individuals.

Your Committee finds that native fish hatcheries contribute to food security, cultural preservation, and education and collaboration by supporting fishponds and aquaculture. Your Committee further finds that to promote aquaculture and the operation and restoration of fishponds, it is essential to equip fish hatcheries with proper resources, including personnel, equipment, maintenance, and operating costs.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the number of Aquatic Biologist V positions, Aquatic Biologist IV positions, Fishery Technician V positions, and Fishery Technician IV positions to unspecified numbers;

(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

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

Your Committee recommends the establishment of two full-time equivalent Aquatic Biologist V positions, two full-time equivalent Aquatic Biologist IV positions, three full-time equivalent Fishery Technician V positions, and one full-time equivalent Fishery Technician IV position to effectuate the purposes of this measure.

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 S.B. No. 2329, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2329, S.D. 1, 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