STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3638

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 1952

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1952, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to support agricultural production on the island of Kauai.

Specifically, this measure authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates the bond proceeds for capital improvements to the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience's Agricultural Research and Extension Station on Kauai.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and one individual.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the University of Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience's Kauai Agricultural Research and Extension Station provides essential services to farmers, including the development of solutions to pest, disease, and climate-adaptation problems; invasive species research and coordination; seed production; Native Hawaiian kalo collection; and training in pest and disease management, pesticide education, and food safety. Your Committee further finds that this measure funds vital improvements to modernize the station's outdated facilities, including renovations necessary to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1952, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair