STAND. COM. REP. NO. 787-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1707

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1707, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish a Local Agriculture Transportation Cost Reimbursement Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to reimburse eligible ranchers and farmers for a portion of their costs to transport livestock, livestock products, agricultural commodities, and certain supplies, under certain conditions;

(2) Establish a position to administer the Program; and

(3) Appropriate funds for the Program and position.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Department of Research and Development, County of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hilo County Farm Bureau; Maui County Farm Bureau; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; Maui Chamber of Commerce; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Hawaiʻi Cattlemen's Council; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; Local Food Coalition; Thompson Ranch; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Triple S Livestock LLC; Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association; Hawaiʻi Ulu Producers Cooperative; and eight individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1707, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

____________________________

CHRIS TODD, Chair