HB 1450: DOA; Climate-Resilient Food Systems Grant Pilot Program; Reports; Appropriations

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CLIMATE RESILIENCY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that in 2024, the department of agriculture launched a statewide "Go B.I.G. (Buy, Invest, Grow) for Agriculture" initiative to encourage buying local products, invest in the State's agricultural development, and grow the scale of agricultural operations in the State.  As part of the initiative, agricultural producers were surveyed to identify the agricultural industry's top challenges.  Based on the data collected, the high cost of equipment poses a major barrier to agricultural growth.

     The legislature further finds that agricultural producers require capital to purchase technology and other equipment necessary for their operations.  The legislature believes that by investing in the agricultural supply chain, the State can increase local food production, enhance climate resilience, improve food security, and support the economic growth of small-  to mid-sized farms.

     The purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Establish a three-year climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds for the pilot program.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established a three-year climate‑resilient food systems grant pilot program, which shall be administered by the department of agriculture.

     (b)  The climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program shall provide grants to agricultural producers in the State, in an amount ranging from $           to $          , for the acquisition of special-purpose equipment, technology, and ancillary costs.

     (c)  Grants shall be awarded on a competitive basis through a request for applications, in compliance with rules adopted pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     (d)  Grant proposals shall be submitted to the department of agriculture in accordance with administrative rules adopted by the department to administer the grant pilot program.  Each request shall, at a minimum, state:

     (1)  The name of the farmer or rancher requesting grant funds;

     (2)  That the applicant is engaged in expanding production capacity of the applicant's agricultural or value‑added products; and

     (3)  How the applicant intends to use the grant for projects that demonstrate a significant impact on local agriculture production and enhance the economic viability of small family farms or ranches.

     (e)  Each applicant for a grant shall provide proof that the applicant:

     (1)  Has United States citizenship or permanent United States resident alien status and is a resident or domiciliary of the State at the time of the application;

     (2)  Grows or produces raw or processed agricultural products on a small family farm or ranch in the State at the time of the application;

     (3)  Complies with all other federal, state, or county statutes, rules, or ordinances necessary to conduct the activities or provide the services for which a grant is awarded, including the United States Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act, P.L. 111-353, and that Act's provisions on supplier verification;

     (4)  Complies with all applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination against a person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability;

     (5)  Agrees not to use state funds for travel, conferences, entertainment, perquisites, or lobbying activities;

     (6)  Allows the department, legislative committees and their staff, and the auditor full access to the applicant's records, reports, files, and other related documents and information for the purposes of monitoring, measuring the effectiveness of, and ensuring the proper expenditure of the grant;

     (7)  Agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the State and any of its officers, agents, and employees from and against any and all claims arising out of or resulting from activities carried out or projects undertaken with funds provided by this Act, and procure sufficient insurance to provide this indemnification if requested to do so by the department of agriculture;

     (8)  Satisfies any other standards that may be required by the source of funding; and

     (9)  Meets all other standards prescribed in rules adopted by the department of agriculture to implement the grants awarded under this Act.

     (f)  No grant shall be awarded under this Act unless the applicant matches up to twenty per cent of the total project costs.

     (g)  For the purposes of this Act, "small family farm or ranch" means any farm or ranch where the majority of the business is owned by the producer and individuals related to the producer and with a gross cash farm or ranch income of less than $350,000 per year.

     (h)  The climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program shall terminate on June 30, 2028.

     SECTION 3.  (a)  The department of agriculture shall submit interim reports to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2026 and 2027.  The interim reports shall include:

     (1)  The department's progress on the implementation of this Act;

     (2)  Preliminary results of the climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program, including the number of grants awarded each year; and

     (3)  Any findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation.

     (b)  The department of agriculture shall submit a final report of its administrative activities, expenditures, findings, and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2028.  The report shall include the outcomes of the climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program and a recommendation as to whether the program should be made permanent, with or without modifications.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to carry out the purposes of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

DOA; Climate-Resilient Food Systems Grant Pilot Program; Reports; Appropriations

Description:

Establishes a three-year Climate-Resilient Food Systems Grant Pilot Program, to be administered by the Department of Agriculture.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CLIMATE RESILIENCY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that in 2024, the department of agriculture launched a statewide "Go B.I.G. (Buy, Invest, Grow) for Agriculture" initiative to encourage buying local products, invest in the State's agricultural development, and grow the scale of agricultural operations in the State.  As part of the initiative, agricultural producers were surveyed to identify the agricultural industry's top challenges.  Based on the data collected, the high cost of equipment poses a major barrier to agricultural growth.

     The legislature further finds that agricultural producers require capital to purchase technology and other equipment necessary for their operations.  The legislature believes that by investing in the agricultural supply chain, the State can increase local food production, enhance climate resilience, improve food security, and support the economic growth of small- to mid-sized farms.

     The purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Establish a three-year climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds for the pilot program.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established a three-year climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program, which shall be administered by the department of agriculture.

     (b)  The climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program shall provide grants to agricultural producers in the State, in an amount ranging from $           to $          , for the acquisition of special-purpose equipment, technology, and ancillary costs.

     (c)  Grants shall be awarded on a competitive basis through a request for applications, in compliance with rules adopted pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     (d)  Grant proposals shall be submitted to the department of agriculture in accordance with administrative rules adopted by the department to administer the grant pilot program.  Each request shall, at a minimum, state:

     (1)  The name of the farmer or rancher requesting grant funds;

     (2)  That the applicant is engaged in expanding production capacity of the applicant's agricultural or value-added products; and

     (3)  How the applicant intends to use the grant for projects that demonstrate a significant impact on local agriculture production and enhance the economic viability of small family farms or ranches.

     (e)  Each applicant for a grant shall provide proof that the applicant:

     (1)  Has United States citizenship or permanent United States resident alien status and is a resident or domiciliary of the State at the time of the application;

     (2)  Grows or produces raw or processed agricultural products on a small family farm or ranch in the State at the time of the application;

     (3)  Complies with all other federal, state, or county statutes, rules, or ordinances necessary to conduct the activities or provide the services for which a grant is awarded, including the United States Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act, P.L. 111-353, and that Act's provisions on supplier verification;

     (4)  Complies with all applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination against a person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability;

     (5)  Agrees not to use state funds for travel, conferences, entertainment, perquisites, or lobbying activities;

     (6)  Allows the department, legislative committees and their staff, and the auditor full access to the applicant's records, reports, files, and other related documents and information for the purposes of monitoring, measuring the effectiveness of, and ensuring the proper expenditure of the grant;

     (7)  Agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the State and any of its officers, agents, and employees from and against any and all claims arising out of or resulting from activities carried out or projects undertaken with funds provided by this Act, and procure sufficient insurance to provide this indemnification if requested to do so by the department of agriculture;

     (8)  Satisfies any other standards that may be required by the source of funding; and

     (9)  Meets all other standards prescribed in rules adopted by the department of agriculture to implement the grants awarded under this Act.

     (f)  No grant shall be awarded under this Act unless the applicant matches up to twenty per cent of the total project costs.

     (g)  For the purposes of this Act, "small family farm or ranch" means any farm or ranch where the majority of the business is owned by the producer and individuals related to the producer and with a gross cash farm or ranch income of less than $350,000 per year.

     (h)  The climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program shall terminate on June 30, 2028.

     SECTION 3.  (a)  The department of agriculture shall submit interim reports to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2026 and 2027.  The interims reports shall include:

     (1)  The department's progress on the implementation of this Act;

     (2)  Preliminary results of the climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program, including the number of grants awarded each year; and

     (3)  Any findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation.

     (b)  The department of agriculture shall submit a final report of its administrative activities, expenditures, findings, and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2028.  The report shall include the outcomes of the climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program and a recommendation as to whether the program should be made permanent, with or without modifications.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to carry out the purposes of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Climate-resilient Food Systems Grant Pilot Program; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a three-year climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program, to be administered by the Department of Agriculture.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CLIMATE RESILIENCY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that in 2024, the department of agriculture launched a statewide "Go B.I.G. (Buy, Invest, Grow) for Agriculture" initiative to encourage buying local products, invest in the State's agricultural development, and grow the scale of agricultural operations in the State.  As part of the initiative, agricultural producers were surveyed to identify the agricultural industry's top challenges.  Based on the data collected, the high cost of equipment poses a major barrier to agricultural growth.

     The legislature further finds that agricultural producers require capital to purchase technology and other equipment necessary for their operations.  The legislature believes that by investing in the agricultural supply chain, the State can increase local food production, enhance climate resilience, improve food security, and support the economic growth of small- to mid-sized farms.

     The purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Establish a three-year climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds for the pilot program.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established a three-year climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program, which shall be administered by the department of agriculture.

     (b)  The climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program shall provide grants to agricultural producers in the State, in an amount ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, for the acquisition of special-purpose equipment, technology, and ancillary costs.

     (c)  Grants shall be awarded on a competitive basis through a request for applications, in compliance with rules adopted pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     (d)  Grant proposals shall be submitted to the department of agriculture in accordance with administrative rules adopted by the department to administer the grant pilot program.  Each request shall, at a minimum, state:

     (1)  The name of the farmer or rancher requesting grant funds;

     (2)  That the applicant is engaged in expanding production capacity of the applicant's agricultural or value-added products; and

     (3)  How the applicant intends to use the grant for projects that demonstrate a significant impact on local agriculture production and enhance the economic viability of small family farms or ranches.

     (e)  Each applicant for a grant shall provide proof that the applicant:

     (1)  Has United States citizenship or permanent United States resident alien status and is a resident or domiciliary of the State at the time of the application;

     (2)  Grows or produces raw or processed agricultural products on a small family farm or ranch in the State at the time of the application;

     (3)  Complies with all other federal, state, or county statutes, rules, or ordinances necessary to conduct the activities or provide the services for which a grant is awarded, including the United States Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act, P.L. 111-353, and that Act's provisions on supplier verification;

     (4)  Complies with all applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination against a person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability;

     (5)  Agrees not to use state funds for travel, conferences, entertainment, perquisites, or lobbying activities;

     (6)  Allows the department, legislative committees and their staff, and the auditor full access to the applicant's records, reports, files, and other related documents and information for the purposes of monitoring, measuring the effectiveness of, and ensuring the proper expenditure of the grant;

     (7)  Agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the State and any of its officers, agents, and employees from and against any and all claims arising out of or resulting from activities carried out or projects undertaken with funds provided by this Act, and procure sufficient insurance to provide this indemnification if requested to do so by the department of agriculture;

     (8)  Satisfies any other standards that may be required by the source of funding; and

     (9)  Meets all other standards prescribed in rules adopted by the department of agriculture to implement the grants awarded under this Act.

     (f)  No grant shall be awarded under this Act unless the applicant matches up to twenty per cent of the total project costs.

     (g)  For the purposes of this Act, "small family farm or ranch" means any farm or ranch where the majority of the business is owned by the producer and individuals related to the producer and with a gross cash farm or ranch income of less than $350,000 per year.

     (h)  The climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program shall terminate on June 30, 2028.

     SECTION 3.  (a)  The department of agriculture shall submit interim reports to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2026 and 2027.  The interims reports shall include:

     (1)  The department's progress on the implementation of this Act;

     (2)  Preliminary results of the climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program, including the number of grants awarded each year; and

     (3)  Any findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation.

     (b)  The department of agriculture shall submit a final report of its administrative activities, expenditures, findings, and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2028.  The report shall include the outcomes of the climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program and a recommendation as to whether the program should be made permanent, with or without modifications.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to carry out the purposes of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Climate-resilient Food Systems Grant Pilot Program; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a three-year climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program, to be administered by the Department of Agriculture.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to agricultural climate resiliency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that in 2024, the department of agriculture launched a statewide "Go B.I.G. (Buy, Invest, Grow) for Agriculture" initiative to encourage buying local products, invest in the State's agricultural development, and grow the scale of agricultural operations in the State.  As part of the initiative, agricultural producers were surveyed to identify the agricultural industry's top challenges.  Based on the data collected, the high cost of equipment poses a major barrier to agricultural growth.

     The legislature further finds that agricultural producers require capital to purchase technology and other equipment necessary for their operations.  The legislature believes that by investing in the agricultural supply chain, the State can increase local food production, enhance climate resilience, improve food security, and support the economic growth of small- to mid-sized farms.

     The purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Establish a three-year climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds for the pilot program.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established a three-year climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program, which shall be administered by the department of agriculture.

     (b)  The climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program shall provide grants to agricultural producers in the State, in an amount ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, for the acquisition of special-purpose equipment, technology, and ancillary costs.

     (c)  Grants shall be awarded on a competitive basis through a request for applications, in compliance with rules adopted pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     (d)  Grant proposals shall be submitted to the department of agriculture in accordance with administrative rules adopted by the department to administer the grant program.  Each request shall, at a minimum, state:

     (1)  The name of the farmer or rancher requesting grant funds;

     (2)  That the applicant is engaged in expanding production capacity of the applicant's agricultural or value-added products; and

     (3)  How the applicant intends to use the grant for projects that demonstrate a significant impact on local agriculture production and enhance the economic viability of small family farms or ranches.

     (e)  Each applicant for a grant shall provide proof that the applicant:

     (1)  Has United States citizenship or permanent United States resident alien status and is a resident or domiciliary of the State at the time of application;

     (2)  Grows or produces raw or processed agricultural products on a small family farm or ranch in the State at the time of the application;

     (3)  Complies with all other federal, state, or county statutes, rules, or ordinances necessary to conduct the activities or provide the services for which a grant is awarded, including the United States Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act, P.L. 111-353, and that Act's provisions on supplier verification;

     (4)  Complies with all applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination against a person on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability;

     (5)  Agrees not to use state funds for travel, conferences, entertainment, perquisites, or lobbying activities;

     (6)  Allows the department, legislative committees and their staff, and the auditor full access to the applicant's records, reports, files, and other related documents and information for the purposes of monitoring, measuring the effectiveness of, and ensuring the proper expenditure of the grant;

     (7)  Agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the State and any of its officers, agents, and employees from and against any and all claims arising out of or resulting from activities carried out or projects undertaken with funds provided by this Act, and procure sufficient insurance to provide this indemnification if requested to do so by the department of agriculture;

     (8)  Satisfies any other standards that may be required by the source of funding; and

     (9)  Meets all other standards prescribed in rules adopted by the department to implement the grants awarded under this section.

     (f)  No grant shall be awarded under this Act unless the applicant matches up to twenty per cent of the total project costs.

     (g)  For the purposes of this Act, "small family farm or ranch" means any farm or ranch where the majority of the business is owned by the producer and individuals related to the producer and with a gross cash farm or ranch income of less than $350,000 per year.

     (h)  The climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program shall terminate on June 30, 2028.

     SECTION 3.  (a)  The department of agriculture shall submit interim reports to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2026 and 2027.  The interims reports shall include:

     (1)  The department's progress on the implementation of this Act;

     (2)  Preliminary results of the climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program, including the number of grants awarded each year; and

     (3)  Any findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation.

     (b)  The department of agriculture shall submit a final report of its administrative activities, expenditures, findings, and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2028.  The report shall include the outcomes of the climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program and a recommendation as to whether the program should be made permanent, with or without modifications.

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $3,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to carry out the purposes of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

Climate-resilient Food Systems Grant Pilot Program; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a three-year climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program, to be administered by the Department of Agriculture.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1526

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 1450

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1450, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CLIMATE RESILIENCY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish and appropriate moneys for a three-year climate-resilient food systems grant pilot program to be administered by the Department of Agriculture.  

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, 350 Hawaii, Purple Maia Foundation, and one individual.

     Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture.

     Your Committee finds that the pilot program established and funded by this measure will help the State increase local food production, enhance climate resilience, improve food security, and support Hawaii's small to mid-sized farms.  

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1450, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1076

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 1450

       H.D. 2

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred H.B. No. 1450, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CLIMATE RESILIENCY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds for a three-year Climate-Resilient Food Systems Grant Pilot Program (Pilot Program) to provide grants to agricultural producers in the State for the acquisition of special-purpose equipment, technology, and ancillary costs.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Office of the Mayor of the County of Maui; Department of Research and Development of the County of Hawaiʻi; Ulupono Initiative; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Climate Protectors Hawaii; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; 350Hawaii.org; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; Hawaii Food Industry Association; and four individuals.

     Your Committee finds that, to address the anticipated impacts of climate change, many local farmers and ranchers are seeking to adopt new technologies and invest in special-purpose equipment to enhance productivity, sustain their operations, and maintain economic viability.  Your Committee recognizes that the costs to implement innovative climate-smart practices and infrastructure improvements can be significant, especially for small- and mid-sized farms.  This measure will help empower farmers and ranchers to invest in tools and infrastructure that can directly improve their ability to respond to climate-related challenges, thereby mitigating threats to crop yields and farm viability and ensuring the stability of the State's local food production.  According to oral testimony from the Department of Agriculture during the public hearing on this measure, the grants to be awarded through the Pilot Program would replace some of the recently rescinded federal grant funding that supports the implementation of climate‑smart practices.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

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

     (2)  Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     Your Committee notes that this measure contains an unspecified appropriation amount.  Should your Committee on Ways and Means choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committee respectfully requests that it consider inserting an appropriation amount of $3,000,000 to establish and administer the three-year Climate-Resilient Food Systems Grant Pilot Program.

     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 H.B. No. 1450, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1450, H.D. 2, 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,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1109

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 1450

      H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1450, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CLIMATE RESILIENCY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds for a three-year Climate-Resilient Food Systems Grant Pilot Program to provide grants to agricultural producers in the State for the acquisition of special-purpose equipment, technology, and ancillary costs.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Department of Research and Development, County of Hawaiʻi; 350Hawaii.org; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Climate Protectors Hawaiʻi; Mālama Kauaʻi; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; and Hawaii Food+ Policy.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the minimum and maximum grant amounts to unspecified amounts.

     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. 1450, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1450, H.D. 2.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  434

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 1450

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 1450 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CLIMATE RESILIENCY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds for a three-year Climate-Resilient Food Systems Grant Pilot Program to provide grants to agricultural producers in the State for the acquisition of special-purpose equipment, technology, and ancillary costs.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Office of Planning and Sustainable Development; Department of Research and Development of the County of Hawai‘i; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Hawai‘i Farmers Union; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; 350Hawaii.org; and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that Hawaii's agricultural sector faces increasing challenges due to high equipment costs, climate change, and global supply chain disruptions.  To strengthen local food production and enhance resilience, farmers and ranchers require financial support to invest in climate-smart technology and infrastructure.  By equipping local producers with these resources, this measure will improve farm efficiency and promote long-term food security.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount;

     (2)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $3,000,000.

     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. 1450, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1450, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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