STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2497

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2102

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. 2102 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL HEMP,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Beginning July 1, 2026, authorize the use of hemp-derived feed ingredients in certain commercial animal feeds;

(2) Authorize the use of hemp and hemp-derived feed ingredients in commercial feed for livestock, contingent on approval by the federal government or Association of American Feed Control Officials; and

(3) Require the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to adopt rules.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau, Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United, and Hawaiʻi Sustainable Farms.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and Department of the Attorney General.

Your Committee finds that industrial hemp cultivation and processing is a major agricultural economic driver. Not only is hemp an efficient crop in both land and water use, the inclusion of hemp products in livestock feed could boost nutrition and animal health. Your Committee believes that allowing hemp-derived ingredients in animal feed could lower costs for local farmers, enhance feed quality, and encourage the development of a hemp industry within the State. By expanding the agricultural capabilities in the State, this measure will support local farmers, encourage sustainability, and strengthen a self-reliant food system.

Your Committee has amended this measure by 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. 2102, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2102, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection.

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

________________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair