CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 28-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: S.B. No. 2960

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

C.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sirs:

Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the Senate to the amendments proposed by the House of Representatives in S.B. No. 2960, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FARMERS,"

having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Clarify that agricultural lots shall be used for farming by requiring that purchasers and lessees of farm lots submit proof of using the lots to produce food or conduct other agricultural activities; and

(2) Authorize certain agricultural cooperative associations to apply for farm lots.

Your Committee on Conference finds that wealthy individuals have purchased large parcels of land on which to live and pursue farming as a hobby rather than as a livelihood. The Hawaii State Constitution obligates the State to conserve and protect agricultural lands. This measure will ensure that lessees and purchasers of farm lots and ranch lots use that land primarily for farming and producing food.

Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:

(1) Making it effective upon its approval; and

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

As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2960, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2960, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, C.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:

ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE

ON THE PART OF THE SENATE

____________________________ CEDRIC ASUEGA GATES Co-Chair	____________________________ LORRAINE R. INOUYE Chair
____________________________ LINDA ICHIYAMA Co-Chair	____________________________ MIKE GABBARD Co-Chair
____________________________ RACHELE LAMOSAO Co-Chair	____________________________ KARL RHOADS Co-Chair