STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1902-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: S.C.R. No. 53

S.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.C.R. No. 53, S.D. 1, entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CONVENE AN ADVISORY COMMISSION TO ADDRESS CERTAIN ISSUES TO GUIDE ACTION AND PROGRESS IN THE AGRICULTURE, AQUACULTURE, AND FOOD SYSTEMS INDUSTRIES OF THE STATE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to request that the Department of Agriculture establish an advisory commission to be convened quarterly and address certain issues to guide action and progress in the agriculture, aquaculture, and food systems industries of the State. The commission is to submit their findings and recommendations to the Board of Agriculture.

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

Your Committee received comments from the Department of Agriculture.

Your Committee finds that one of the critical aims of the Hawaii Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy is to develop agriculture, aquaculture, and food systems.  As the State moves toward its self-sufficiency and food security goals, an advisory commission is necessary to increase communication, provide expert guidance, and create strategic partnerships between relevant stakeholders to support an increase in exports and local food production.

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 53, S.D. 1, and recommends that it 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