STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3156

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2595

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 Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred H.B. No. 2595, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO REGIONAL AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PRODUCTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish the Regional Agricultural Feasibility and Food Systems Production Studies Working Group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to provide coordinated, region—specific agricultural production and crop feasibility analysis across the State;

(2) Require reports to the Legislature; and

(3) Appropriate funds.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Maui Chamber of Commerce, Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi, and two individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience.

Your Committee finds that agricultural production in the State varies significantly by island, elevation, climate, and available resources, and effective planning must reflect these on-the-ground realities rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Without region-specific analysis, the State risks setting demand targets that local producers are structurally unable to meet. Your Committee further finds that a framework is necessary to evaluate what crops can be grown competitively in each region, what capital investments are required, and how supply can realistically scale to meet institutional demand from schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and other purchasers. Therefore, this measure represents a thoughtful step toward more informed decision-making that can better guide future investments in agriculture, infrastructure, and food systems planning.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

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

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 H.B. No. 2595, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2595, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

________________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair