STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2102

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2098

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 S.B. No. 2098 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish a Clean Plant Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to support the production, maintenance, and distribution of disease‑free, clean plant material to growers, nurseries, and other agricultural producers in the State;

(2) Require annual progress 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; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association; Restore the Commons; and two individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Libertarian Party of Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that the State has established essential mandates and milestone policies to support increased food production within the State. Having access to clean plant material, effective agricultural treatments, diagnostics, and pest management tools is a critical component of the State's biosecurity system. Your Committee further finds that supporting biosecurity measures will help protect existing agricultural operations and encourage food production expansion. Your Committee believes that the Clean Plant Program proposed by this measure is a proactive investment to support long‑term agricultural viability in the State.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

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

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments 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 S.B. No. 2098, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2098, 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,

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MIKE GABBARD, Chair