STAND. COM. REP. NO. 930-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 2548

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. 2548, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds for the Climate-Resilient Food Systems Grant Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity; Department of Research and Development of the County of Hawaiʻi; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; Regenerative Food Systems Working Group of the Hawaiʻi Climate Future Forum; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action; Green Party of Hawaiʻi; Kauai Climate Action Coalition; Agriculture Stewardship Hawaiʻi; and numerous individuals.

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. 2548, 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