STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3431

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.R. No. 83

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.R. No. 83 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION URGING A TRANSITION TO A PLANT-BASED LIFESTYLE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to urge a transition to a plant-based lifestyle.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Building Decarbonization Task Force of the Hawaiʻi Environmental Change Agents, Kauai Climate Action Committee, Hawaiʻi Reef and Ocean Coalition, Climate Protectors Hawaiʻi, Citizens' Climate Lobby Hawaii, Down to Earth, and seven individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.

Your Committee finds that a plant-based lifestyle fosters a holistic approach to environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and community well-being. Your Committee recognizes that Hawaii's tropical climate, with a year-round growing season, is well-suited to support plant-based lifestyles. This measure urges the transition to a plant-based lifestyle as it can have an enormous positive impact on reducing the effects of climate change.

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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 83 and recommends its adoption.

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

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair