STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2546

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3361

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 3361 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RENEWABLE FUEL,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to include oilseed cover crops into the Cover Crop Reimbursement Pilot Program established pursuant to Act 312, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau.

Your Committee finds that the Cover Crop Reimbursement Pilot Program established pursuant to Act 312, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, was established to incentivize the use of beneficial land management practices that enhance the quality and sustainability of Hawaii's agricultural lands. This measure updates the definitions of cover crop and green manure to include oilseed cover crops, which not only increase pollinator health and biodiversity, but also can be used to produce firm renewable energy. Incentivizing the production of oilseed cover crops will not only increase agricultural productivity, but also align with the State's integrated sustainability goals.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3361 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair