STAND. COM. REP. NO. 590-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1952

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 Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 1952, 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 authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriate funds for capital improvements for the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience's Agricultural Research and Extension Station on Kauai.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Crop Improvement Association; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Kalepa Koalition; and three individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System.

Your Committee finds that the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience's Agricultural Research and Extension Station on Kauai engages in research to address pests, diseases, and climate-adaptation challenges in the production of Hawaii's crops and livestock. Your Committee further finds that the community on Kauai has expressed an urgent need for a certified kitchen for developing culturally relevant recipes and products and addressing food and nutritional insecurity challenges. Your Committee believes that this measure will provide the funding for critical capital improvements to support the Station's mission and benefit the broader community.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1952, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,

____________________________

CORY CHUN, Chair