001Yeah. >> Bunch in the last meeting. >> Okay. Hey, good afternoon mahalo for joining today's >> Good afternoon mahala for joining today's AEN WLA and EIG triple joint hearing. It's Wednesday, February 18th and we're convened in room 224 and video conferencing which includes the audio and video of remote participants. It's being streamed live on YouTube. In the unlikely event that this hearing is cut short, the committee will reconvene to discuss any outstanding business on Friday, February 20th at 3 p.m. during AEN's time slot here in room 224. And a public notice will be posted on the legislaturator's website. Because of our 90minute time limit for hearings, there will be a one minute time limit for all testifiers. And so we have uh one item on the 3pm agenda. It is SB 2371 uh requiring a
002landowner leasing a sub parcels on property used for a Agravoltaex to proprietize lease offers for beginning farmers. Requires a landowner leasing a sub parcels on property used for a uh agex to submit an annual agex compliance report to DAB. authorizes DAB to penalize any land owner that fails to meet agro voltics requirements and authorizes the development of solar energy facilities on a lands with productivity ratings of B, C, or D under certain conditions. First up, we have Dad. Thank you, chair. Dad stands on testimony offering comments on this. >> Thank you, Cedric. Next is the Hawaii State Energy Office on Zoom. Uh, good afternoon, Chair, Vice Chair, Monique Sampus with Hawaii State Energy Office. Sorry I couldn't be there in person. Uh, we stand on our written comments and I am available for questions. Thank
003you. >> Thank you. Next is Mary Alice Evans with the OPSD. >> Aloha, chairs, vice chairs, members of the committee. My name is Danielle Bass from the Office of Sustainable Development. We strongly support the intent of agropotics um within the agricultural district. We do offer amendments. Specifically, we have uh some concerns regarding the prevailing regional agricultural lease rate language. We believe that this could potentially make things higher than the existing requirement of the 50 below 50% below fair market value weakening the incentives for uh beginning and commercial farmers. We offer uh some or multiple amendments to codify agravalics in the state land use law. We also uh provide some amendments to make sure that the 30% agricultural area be leased at the current 50% below fair market value to maintain affordability for farmers ensuring that
004the lease appraisal is based solely on the agricultural portion of the site. And we also uh suggest strengthening the agricultural activities language to meet the state's local food production goals. I'm available for questions. Mahalo. >> Thank you, Danielle. Next is uh Johnny Tamur from Public Utilities Commission. Alohair, chairs, members of the stand. >> Okay, good comments. Uh, Brian Emoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau. >> Thank you, chair. The Hawaii Farm Bill was on its written testimony supported intent. >> Thank you. Anyone else wishing to testify on this measure? Come forward. Seeing none, members, are there any questions? >> Question for Deb. >> Dab. >> So, so as of today, what steps have you guys taken to um uh encourage the development of solar farms on egg lands? >> Encourage. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Any encouragement to do
005solar farms on egglands? Have you guys taken any steps at all? >> Encourage solar [clears throat] um if you're or if you're speaking of the the 166 of our egg park and non-aggricultural park plan. >> No, no. Speaking in regards to this bill with the aggrav. So in this case, have you guys taken any steps to encourage solar farms on your guys egg lands? >> No. >> What is the level of interest and demand for solar farm development in Hawaii? >> Solar farm development in just in general right >> in general because you know people are moving into egg solar farms and so forth. >> I don't know what the >> none whatsoever. Wow. Okay. Thank you. >> And Senator, I'll get back to you with that question. So you believe there's many beginning farmers
006going to take advantage of farming on these lands with agricultur not knowing what the what the you know what the conditions are. There would have to be kind of perfect information given to the beginning farmer >> I would think so. Yeah. >> Yeah. there will be limitations on operations and you know time of the day and dust and all that kind of stuff that um >> he or she may not be fully aware of. >> Thank you chair. >> Thank you Senator. >> I got [clears throat] a question. Go ahead. >> Go ahead. >> How much? >> So uh are there uh do you guys at Dad anticipate any increased enforcement workload for the counties work? for solar with respect to solar energy as well. >> Yeah. Solar energy. Well, um no not really. U
007the approval process the the special permit process all all those the conditions of u approval are pretty much taken care of by >> as far as enforcement of >> enforcement passes. No. >> Okay. >> All right. The qu the question I have did you guys visit any of them that is doing for me and for >> um the only one that I personally visited is the >> the one was that clear clear way along in the southern part of Milani south of Milani town. Yeah, >> there's a like a peninsula. One side is windara >> and the other side is the solar energy facility where they have they've been undertaking the the >> I guess every voltaic experiments testing with along with Hawaii agricultural research u center. Yes. So, so I've visited that. >> So,
008yeah. So by having one template like that uh going forward with what Senator Tuay said um not thinking that um should have some kind of uh incentive because we're talking about 50% lower um on the giving them an incentive to to grow um uh the farming and then of course the the energy situation. I was always against all those solar farms until I visit that farm and they were supposed to expand to Kuna. So, I don't know if they did because of financial situation, but I think that's something that not just you guys, but even us guys here should encourage more cuz I seen it really really works well. They also have sheep and the best part about the sheep is that they eat all the junk stuff like that underneath. So, they don't need
009to go clean them underneath, you know, underneath the area. So I I seen the excuse of them growing not only vegetables and and and stuff that we eat but even like um uh Miley which is you know hard to get Miley right there they had an area that was cool enough that was actually growing Miley >> you know so those ideas for moving forward I mean to me I think that was like a template so it's something that I guess not only you guys but even us should encourage more of that even like what Senator Cameron said with with the early farmers ers even though they don't know the condition they can probably visit there and they they have multiple conditions that they talk about that is challenging what is working what kind crops they
010can plant and they they have a area that they're doing that so that they know what's going to grow when they move their production elsewhere so there's something there to consider I mean not unmandatory but just to consider having >> yeah thank you chair >> thank you s anyone else >> I got a question for Farm Bureau. >> Okay. >> Hey, Brian. So, you know, I know you guys have a lot of members under Farm Bureau. How many of your members um do um solar as well as um crops um on on property cuz I noticed that this bill is for beginning farmers. >> Thank you. Senator Brian Miamoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau. uh I don't know the exact number of how many of the farms are taking advantage of this of solar primarily. Um our
011concern or one of the the concerns I think that we had in our testimony is the uh the beginning farmer provision that they get priority. We we like to see all farmers. Um again we want to encourage new and beginning farmers but for something like this as I I think has been previously discussed. Um doing agro voltics is challenging. If it wasn't we'd have a lot more. The parcel that's been references actually a pilot and it's a pilot because we're investigating whether or not it's possible. Um the one in Milani uh the the agriculture that we currently see majority with solar is sheep. And again it's more of uh rotational sheep grazing versus um what we believe is true agriculture. We don't see that sheep really in um commercial production where right where it's it's
012it's >> we could utilize the >> we utilize that is something that in discussions with the the the solar industry is something that we'd like to see. Uh we support renewable energy how long pilot program lasts if we're going to reference Milani. >> Um I I think Senator I think it's been going on for several years. Uh we visited several times. We take people out. It is it is promising. And it's something that we'd love to see utilizing the egg land for food production of the egg production and for renewable energy. Again, it it is difficult. I think if it wasn't, we'd probably see it in larger scale. And so I think um you know, working with HARKC, I think working with the university and working with I think it is clear way trying to
013trying to see if it is practical for a larger scale and that is the goal that we'd all like to see. We we'd love to see uh dual uses on our egg land. right now uh it is uh our understanding is still in a pilot phase because it is very challenging. They're competing for the same resources. >> So my question was how long does a pilot usually last? >> I don't know if I can answer that correctly. I the pilot is is I I believe uh designed for short period of time or time certain to see if something is practical or not. >> Thank you. Thank you chair. >> Senator Richard. >> Yeah. There we are. Right. Um [clears throat] I've puzzled on this for a while for agriculture and agropolvaics. Um reason being is
014because the photovotayic is competing for sunshine which is what agriculture is also competing. I completely agree with the sheep grazing and taking care of underbrush and helps fire control and all that that works out fine. Has the Farm Bureau looked at this from a national perspective and evaluated um because we're going to have a reduce in production because we're robbing Peter to pay Paul, meaning we're using the the sun for energy instead of agriculture. Have we looked at that? Because I've wondered about the the metrics that we're talking about here for leases. Do you know of any work that's been done to evaluate reduction in agriculture productivity because of that? >> Thank you Senator for the question and I that's what I meant by competing for the same resources not just the land but the
015solar energy and even water. Uh people don't know but solar does take a little bit of water not a lot of water. Um and again that's why agriculture land is is so desirable because it has the features that the solar energy industry wants right mostly flat access to some infrastructure basic infrastructure including water. Uh to answer the question I I think there are others probably more better suited senator uh as I referenced uh Hawaii Agriculture Research Center is partnering and they may have done some of that research or have some of that data for you. I can uh follow up with with your office or with the chair's office um on that question, Senator. >> Yeah, I I appreciate that. And if we could get it to the chairs cuz this will be a recurrent
016question as we go forward. Thank you, chair. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> I have a question for OPSD, please. [clears throat] >> Uh thank you for being here and offering comments. um land use commission. Does any of this particular land areas go to the land use commission? >> Uh thank you for the question. Unfortunately, the Luc did not testify on this measure. We did coordinate with them and yes uh this is codified in the state land use commission's law where these proposals uh proposals for solar energy facilities on a lands for lands that are on B or C go before the state land use commission with the special use permit process for the counties to review. And so what this bill does uh in I believe page 16 is it does open that up
017to DANAs as well um which is it actually doesn't go through the land use commission process since there's no special permit required >> again can you repeat that why >> so for BNC lands it does go through the land use commission process >> I've always known that >> but now that with this bill's language opening it up to DANSS [clears throat] >> that does not go to the land use commission Okay. >> And no matter how many acres. >> So >> that is my understanding after consulting with the staff there yesterday. Yes. So this provision will now open up D to go to the land use commission with the special permit review. >> Okay. >> It does or it doesn't. >> It will. This provision in the bill. >> Okay. On the D lands. >>
018Yes. Okay. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh cheers. Yeah. >> Okay. Uh we're going to go right into decision making on this measure. >> Oh, wait. Excuse me. Excuse me. >> I I they need me to go vote. >> There's a vote being done now. So, I'll be right down to public safety. So the chair's recommendation would be to pass uh this measure with DAB's suggested amendments that protect agricultural integrity and also with OPSD suggested amendments to clarify implementation. Any discussion chair? >> You know I I agree with that but what I would like to see that it be open up to all all farmers not just beginning farmers chair. >> Okay. So uh with that AEN chair votes I vice chair >> on Senate bill 2371 passing
019with amendments. Chair votes I vice chair votes I senator decoy >> I. >> Senator Rhodess. >> Senator Awa Senator Awa is excused. Chair you have four in favor. Motion is adopted. >> Thank you members. Committee on water land recommendation. >> There's no discussion. Vice chair for the vote. amendments. >> Yes. >> For the committee on water, land, culture, and the arts. Recommendation on SB2371 is to pass with amendments. Cheer Lee. >> Hi. >> Vice Chair goes I senator Chang. >> Hi. >> Senator Lamosau. >> Ex is she's not here. I can't see. Uh Senator Decort. Um it >> measure is adopted Mr. Chair. >> Thank you for members of EIG seeing recommendation. Any discussion? If not, Senator Chang, I vote yes. >> Chair's recommendation for Senate Bill 2371 is to pass with amendments. Chair votes
020yes. Vice chair votes I. Senator DO >> I. >> Senator Richards. >> Hi. >> Senator Favlla. >> Hi. >> Recommendation is adopted. >> Thank you members. That concludes the 3:00 agenda. Okay folks, we are ging in the 301 agenda uh with AEEN water land and DDT. [clears throat] We have one measure on the agenda, SP2800 appropriating funds to DAB and DNR and ADC to acquire, repair, and maintain irrigation systems in the state. First up is DLNR. >> Good afternoon. The department has our written testimony. >> Thank you. Next is DAB. >> Thank you, Chair. And Dab signs on the testimony in support of this measure. Thank you, Wendy Gaty from ADC. >> Thank you, chair. ADC stands on their written testimony, strong support. >> Thank you, Brian Miamoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau. >> Thank you, chair.
021The Hawaii Farms on written testimony in support. >> Thank you. Uh we also have Larry Jeffs from Larry Jeff's Farm, Johnny May Perry, Michael Jabbert, Daniel Nells, Veronica Boore, all in support. That's nine in support, none opposed. No com uh Anyone else wishing to testify on this measure? >> Are there any questions? Mark >> question. [sighs] Hey, thanks for being here. So um based on the bill, the bill goes into funds to be funds to to the department of a biocurity department of land natural resources and aggra business development corporation based on your irrigation systems and the repairs and everything going forward. Do you guys have any concerns about how much of the fund will be needed to do repairs and maintenance on your systems throughout the state? And are you guys agreeing that it
022be divided up four ways of the different agencies or how's this hierarchy working in this bill? >> Um or is this a toss up of we're just giving this funds up four different ways between the departments? cuz I'm well aware of the deterioration of all your water systems that helps farms and which way we pulling what. As you guys know, ADC also controls water systems. So, I'm torn between this bill on how we div this thing up to help the farmers have adequate water. As you know, water cutbacks within your systems and everybody else's goes into effect and impacts farms across the state of Hawaii. each each of the agencies that are mentioned in the bill have I you know I don't I want to I don't want to speak for it like BC or
023um >> speak on do me speak on y tell me what damages and repairs is needed on your irrigation systems >> so we do have a whole litany of things that need repairs we need uh for instance machai irrigation systems I think we've identified about $7.5 million worth of repairs on that system. That's rather um rather important. We have some additional repairs for uh our Kahuku system. It needs um new motor controls for the pump house and pump house repairs. Uh possibly a new tank, maybe a larger one. We always run out of water on that one. Um >> and Puo. Yeah, >> Pawo. Big Island has a whole list of things also. So, we definitely have a backlog of of irrigation projects that we could definitely use the money for. Um, >> so, so
024Brian, as you read the bill, how would you prioritize >> the use of these funds? cuz I know with ADC and some of the transfers, I just trying to figure out is these funds adequate to be sufficient so that we continue to grow food and double food production across the US and do our farm to schools and so forth. Does this bill does it put more of a heavier burden on how we divvy up with dad ADC and and the different DNR? I mean, how do how do how do we break doing breakout? We're going to prioritize food. We're going to prioritize ranching. We're going to prioritize conservation lands on on the water system like water sheds. Like I just well, we don't from a CIP perspective, we're not we don't prioritize any of our
025development things for the appropriated amount listed in the bill. Um, >> that would probably only be enough to cover the systems you got to repair and do maintenance on it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you, Brian. I know we're running out of time, but thank you. That's all I need to say cuz I'm trying to figure out what we're going to need for the rest. So, I'm sorry, chair. Just trying to get better on this. >> Just a real quick question. It's going to be for everybody. Department of ADC and DNR. You guys are up first. What Senator Decoy's talking about. What number do you need for DAB to fix your irrigation systems? Give me a round number right now. I'm looking at you, Brian. >> Um, let's see. We're in our testimony here. We're
026[snorts] looking at an additional I think 13 million on top of that for certain projects. In addition to that, it's probably I would guess probably closer to 65 million or so. >> Okay. 65 for DAB. Um, ADC and DNR. I need a number. Thank you. >> Can Can I add chair to that as well? I noticed that um on page two on section >> second, Senator, let me finish my question. >> There's also the funds separated. >> Senator Richards. Um, Dylan, we don't have an exact number, but we don't have >> I don't expect an exact number. you know, the 14 mil is going to be enough to at least get us, you know, >> that's not what I asked. I asked what to fix. >> I understand what you're asking. I'm going to have
027to get back to you with the number because again, right, we have a couple things up in the air. So, I need to redo the numbers actually right now. >> Okay. But to fix stuff, not just put band-aids, fix it one time, pow, [snorts] >> we're actually in the process transferring our stuff, which is why I don't have answers for you. >> So, if you can get that and get it back to the chairs, please. Okay. Yes. >> And then finally, ADC Good afternoon, chairs, vice chairs, members of the committee. We're in the process of five different acquisitions right now. So, I would like to get back to you with an estimate based on adding those to our inventory. >> Okay, great. But we would like that in a very short timeline. >> You got
028it. >> Okay, thank you. Thank you, chair. >> Chair, sorry. Um, Wendy, without the acquisition, in regards to Senator Richard's question, what you have now, what does it take? What what is the the price tag? Don't I don't want you to count the acquisition right now. >> Based on the water systems that we have, which would be the WoE water system here on Aahu, >> it would be the Kaha and Coke systems that are on Kauaii. Um, that would be in the neighborhood of about 35 million just for those three. And the biggest fortune would be actually putting pipe into the cake haha system. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Thank you, chair. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Uh DLNR. >> Yes. This bill on page two with the appropriation amounts that's identified in the
029measure um that for your agency you have um $14 million. Now, does this do you know what the cost would be for the W Pahu? Uh the the acquisition uh are you folks already managing the irrigation system we talked about in was it Wahoo or Wuwa on the dual lands? No, we're in the process of that right now. >> Okay. So, we haven't done anything. Do you know that's going to be under your kulana? Yeah, we have. >> Yes. So, we are going to acquire the Lake Wilson parcels for that. Um, our current irrigation systems on the other islands, right? Again, we're in the process of transferring some of those already to ADC. So, we haven't accounted for those in terms of cost for fixing because we're going to turn them over as is. Um,
030this money would help us with the Wahwa, >> the fortune meal. >> Yes. >> Okay. What l what are you transferring to other agencies? >> So we have the East Koi irrigation system on Koi that's currently in the works and trying to get to ADC. >> That's going to ADC. Correct. Correct. >> We have lower Kopahi which we're actually doing an EI we're finishing the design to breach that particular one. And that one is also [clears throat] most of our dams are on Kauaii. >> Okay. There's nothing on the Big Island. We have two on the Big Island, but one is actually a flood control project by the county and the other one is a it's belongs it belongs to us, but it's under RP2 Olsson trust. They are the only ones who can actually
031access the >> the reservoir. So it seems like DNR is the only agency you'll be you you'll be comfortable with your section 3 with your 14 million for now. Nonetheless, the ones who are shortfall would be ADC and DOE then according to what we were hearing today. Thanks. So, thanks so much for being here. Thank you, chairs. >> Okay. All right. Decision making you guys. Okay. >> Mhm. >> Okay. We're going to move into decision making now on this measure. Um chairs having conferred the P. We're going to pass this with amendments to defer the date to July 1st, 2050 and blank the appropriation amounts in the bill and insert them into the committee report for consideration. We want to further note that DAB's requested appropriation of 43,800,000 for the acquisition, maintenance, and repair of
032irrigation systems and ADC's requested appropriation of 2.5 million for the acquisition, maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems in the state. both of which will be included in the committee report for consideration. Okay. So for a an >> chair chair good discussion. >> Yes. >> So chair based on um the line of questioning today I would like the um committee report to reflect um DOA 65 million on repair and maintenance as well as DLNR's 14 million and ADC's 35 million in that report. Okay, please. So, based on that, uh, chair Braden, chair votes eye, vice chair >> on Senate Bill 280, passing with amendments. Chair votes eye, vice chair vot, senator decoy. >> Hi, >> Senator Rhodess. >> Hi, >> Senator Awa is excused. Cherry four in favor motion adopted. >> Thank you, members. >> And
033for water, land committee on waterland, same recommendation. Chair's recommendation for the committee on water, land, culture, and the arts on SB280 is to pass with amendments >> with Let's see. We got three members. >> Oh, okay. Roll call. Um, Senator uh, Chair Lee. >> Hi. >> Okay. Vice Chair goes I. Senator Chang. >> Hi. >> Senator Lamos. Hi. >> Okay. L Senator Decort. Hi. >> Motion is adopted. Mr. Chair. >> Thank you. >> Committee on economic development tourism. Same recommendation. Vice Chair Kai for the vote. Chair goes I. >> I vote yes. Senator Fukunaga excuse. Senator Kim excuse. Senator Favlla. >> I. >> Chair. Your recommendation is adopted. >> Thank you members. Isn't that a journaling to order the 302 agenda for AEN and GDO here in room 224? We have uh one item on
034the agenda SB 2718 relating to the food hub pilot program beginning January 1st 2028 uh DOE do department of corrections and rehab department of defense and uh to ensure that 30% of the produce purchased by that department consists of fresh local a products or local value added processed egg or food products requires a department of a and bio security to develop a nutrition and a based program for integration into public school curricula and requires DAB to partner with the regional aggregator to support the aggregation and processing of Native Hawaiian staple crops, facilitate procurement pipelines, and expand access to native Hawaiian crops. Okay, so first up on 2718 is DAB. >> Thank you, Chair. Dad stands on this weekend testimony in support of this measure. >> Thank you, Senator. Uh, next is Department of Health. Department
035of Health will stand on his testimony comments. >> Comments. Okay. Uh Tommy Johnson from Department of Corrections and Rehab. >> Frank standing in for Dark Johnson, Department of Correction Rehabilitation. We stand on our written testimony and opposition of the bill. >> Thank you. >> Uh Keith Hayashi from DOE on Zoom. >> Not on Zoom. Chair, >> thank you. Offers comments. Brian Miiamoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau. Thank you, chair. The Hawaii Farm Bill will stand on its written testimony, supported intent. >> Okay. Carlin McFaden from the Hawaii Food Plus Policy Purple Maya Foundation support. Ann Frederick from Hapa Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Actions in support. Uh Khalani Nui Wilson in support. So we have a total of 11 in support, one opposed and three have comments. Anyone else wishing to testify on this measure members? Any questions?
036[music] >> Yes. >> Corrections. >> Good afternoon. >> State your name. Uh, Frank Young, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. >> Okay. Um, you you came out opposed to this. Can you walk me through why you're opposed? >> Um, well, based on our testimony, we're struggling to meet the current percentage, I believe, at 10%. Um, upping up to 30 in in a couple of years. I just see a a steeper path for us to comply with that. And for you, what what is the obstruction? Where are barriers to get this in? >> Um, primarily it's the procurement process. Um, and then the quantities of the types of foods we're currently produ uh using in our meals, things like potatoes, carrots, celery, those kind of things, those items. >> So, and I don't want to put words
037in your mouth, that's why I'm asking you to explain it. It's the availability and the procurement process to get the product. If it was readily available, did you have any issue with that? >> Oh, not at all. We would support local. >> Okay. So, it's not about local. It's about being able to get through the paperwork and the availability, >> the quantities. Yes. That we we use on a daily basis. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. Thank you, Chair. >> Question. Okay. How does the procurement process itself prevent you from doing this? You seem to say the process keeps us from doing this. What how is this process of procurement which every agency uses keeping you from doing this? There's um the basically the lowest cost vendors that we need to procure with and the
038fact that I think some of the more local smaller farms just don't have the quantities. >> That's not a procurement pro process issue. that the farmer is not having the quantities isn't the but you see what I'm saying >> we're trying to track down the real roadblocks if we keep saying it's this code this process is causing it >> but it's not it's just the fact that we have a supply problem right we have a farmer supply issue right >> okay [clears throat] thanks appreciate >> okay yeah >> has food safety in any way hindered some of these farmers that you not able to purchase from them to meet that >> oh I'm not aware of that. >> Oh, so you guys have to deal with the food safety stocks? >> Not not that I'm
039aware of. >> No. >> Really? Wow. Okay. Okay. Um, Dan, please. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. Serg you, as of today, do you guys have enough local suppliers to meet the requirement that 30% of the produce purchased by the five departments um consist of fresh local egg products or local value added processed egg by January 1st of 2020? >> Chair, I don't have that answer on me, unfortunately. Uh but I know someone who might. Um Brian, >> he wants to come save the day. Burn. Same question. >> Brian Miamoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau. Uh I think it's very difficult to answer the question, Senator, without knowing exact purchasing for each of these departments. But uh I think anecdotally, um with more programs, which we're supporting, there's more competition for the limited supply
040of local that we have. And that's why the Farm Bureau along with DAB and other partners come to you folks for positive agriculture policies in order to increase scale. That's something that we're working on. I believe right now DOE is only at 6.4%. So we we do agree with with public safety. We support the intent. I think our concern is moving up that benchmark from 2030 to 2028 at 30%. DOE is already at 30% 30 by 30 is is their goal. So, uh, I think we're going to have to change even another statute if this bill is going to pass because we're trying to align all the goals. Moving up two years may not offer us the opportunity that that the the industry is working on with the legislature to increase scale so that we
041can meet the demand of these programs farm to school. This one, I believe, is we refer to as farm to state. So again, not knowing what each department is purchasing, but e even understanding what 30% of their purchasing would look like, it's hard to determine, but um from a production standpoint, Senator, we do know that we need more land. We need more water to produce more because the the farmers that are producing now, they already have their markets and we we're unsure if they're going to be willing to move their markets, be it to to restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, farmers markets to these different programs. So, what we're trying to do is increase scale, have small farmers become medium-sized farmers, mediumsized farms become large farmers, large farms become >> So, Brian, >> bigger farmers and new
042farmers. So, so I I get that you know um you know most of these guys either have their markets already >> um which some are under contract that they have to supply so the add-on of trying to supply the different department so I'll throw the question to you is it most of these part departments before they can accept that food have to be food safety certified and is it a challenge for the smaller farmers to still meet food safety certification to then do business via one hub or a cooperative that would be on pass through to get more product to meet that 30% demand. >> Uh your the first question Senator as far as food safety certification um I understand working with state agencies that normal that's their normal practice to prevent um or to
043minimize the risk. So a lot of times they'll be working with distributors who have food safety certification or and also may require it from um the farmers or the food hubs or the aggregators. Uh and that's why you yourself senator has pushed forward legislation to help the small farmers because it is a challenge to to achieve certain food safety certification levels. Um and your second question I'm sorry senator. So my second question was on receiving of the um so if all these small farms would would those small farms put together be able to help attain the goal of 30%. >> Yes senator we believe so and and that's why we are supportive of the food hub programs because they act as aggregators mostly for small farms. So they'll help the small farms as far as
044with aggregation, with food safety certifications, with distribution, and allow the small farms to kind of focus on the farm side. So we believe they can contribute to helping achieve some of these these this uh agriculture goals that we have >> because I noticed it also um allows for the value added. Yeah. Which would help I think get to that 30% goal. >> Absolutely. And that's why we're encouraged with value added um being included in these percentage goals. >> Thank you. Thank you, Chair. >> Okay. Sure. Brief recess. Okay. Reconvening the 3:02 PM on joint with AEN and GVO. Chairs having conferred. Uh the decision will be to pass with amendments that are incorporating the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Actions. >> I'll start again. pass with amendments incorporating the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action suggested amendments
045to streamline the measure, remove barriers, and provide flexible support for food hubs. We're also make some technical amendments, including deferring the date to July 1st, 2050. [clears throat] I'm going to blank the appropriation amount and insert it in the committee report for consideration. Any discussion with a chair both side, vice chair >> on Senate Bill 2718 passing with amendments? Chair votes eye vice chair both eyes. Senator decoy >> I. >> Senator Rhodess >> I. >> Senator Owa is excused. Cherry of four in favor. Motion adopted. >> Thank you members. >> Okay. Continue operations. Same recommendation. Senate draft one. I vote yes. >> On SB 2718 for GVO. Chair votes yes. Vice chair votes I. Senator Hashimoto I. Senator Mori Watkins excuse. Senator excused. The measures adopted. Thank you. And that concludes the Okay, we are
046gabling in the 305 AEN deferred agenda. First up is Senate Bill establishing a blue economy working group to study how to develop and support marine-based economic activities that align with the state's decarbonization and restorative food production goals. It's the decision making on. >> So on this one here, it's just decision making on 2374. [clears throat] Let's see here. The chair's recommendation will be to pass with an amendment to defer the date to July 1st, 2050. So, we're going on to wh uh they're having their hearing tomorrow on this verd. Any questions? Chair boats eye. Vice chair on 2374 passing with amendments. Chair boats eye. Vice chair votes I. Senator Decoy. >> Hi, >> Senator Awa. Yeah, Senator Wa excuse. Senator Rhodess. >> Hi. >> And then for in favor motion is adopted. >> And then
047uh >> thank you members. >> Uh committee on economic development tourism will be deferring decision making to February 18, 2026 at 3:05 p.m. in room 229. >> Thank you, Chair. Moving on to SP 2760. uh relating to invasive species clarifying the importation of any item or material infested or infected with an insect or other animal disease or pest is prohibited. >> Sorry. Sorry. Um I got to go back um >> yeah it's February not 18. What is tomorrow? >> 19 sorry um back to Senate Bill 237 for deferring to February 19 um at 3 5. No, not 305. >> 105. Sorry. Deferring to 105 on February 19, room 229. February 19th, 2026. >> EDT. Thank you for the clarification. [snorts] And so on uh SB 2760, >> the chair's recommendation uh will be to insert
048the language under section six in the bill to add, and I quote, "Notwithstanding any provision of the Hawaii administrative rules relating to clean air, such rules are suspended to the extent necessary to permit biocurity quarantine treatments," unquote, as well as make technical amendments. amendments including defecting the date to July 1st, 2050. Any discussion? Chair votes I. Vice Chair on Senate Bill 2760 passing with amendments. Chair votes I. Vice chair votes I. Senator decoy >> I. >> Senator Rhodess >> reservations >> and Senator Awaz excused. Chair you have four in favor. Thank you, members. And then moving on to SP 2741, phasing in exemptions of locally produced produce food from the general excise tax. So, u the chair's recommendation on this one, it looks like uh the get exemption is limited to locally produced food raise.
049It raises constitutional concerns with the commerce clause. So, we'd like to amend the measure to delete the existing general excise tax exemption for locally produc produced food and instead establish a general excise tax exemption for agricultural inputs used in commercial a production to address tax pyramiding and improve the competitiveness of Hawaii farmers. We'd also like to make technical amendments as well as defer the date to July 1st, 2050. Any discussion? chair, real quick. >> I appreciate the work that chair has done on this to move this forward. U we're talking about cost of living and any way we can start whittling away at cut down the cost of living. So, uh I agree rather than deferring the bill, we just figure out how we can make it work and that'll help the community going forward.
050So, thank you chair. >> You chair votes eye, vice chair. uh on SB2741 passing with amendments. Chair votes I vice chair votes I senator decoy >> I senator Rhodess >> hi. >> Senator excused cherry you have four in favor motion is adopted. Okay. And that concludes the 305 agenda. Okay. Okay, calling into order the 315 agenda for AEN. Uh let's see. Starting off with SP 2941 relating to disposable body board prohibits the sale, rental or distribution of disposable body boards in the state and establishes penalties. First, we have three in support, zero opposed. Anyone here wishing to testify on this measure or online? Okay, let's move on to the next measure. SP 2712 relating to hemp, establishing the Hawaii Hemp Fiber Special Fund, establishing a hemp paper packaging pilot program, and establishing the industrial hemp
051license searchcharge. Excuse me. [clears throat] 12. Okay. First up is Attorney General on Zoom. >> Not on Zoom. Chair >> in person. Oh boy. >> Good afternoon, Deputy Attorney General Travis Moon. Uh we submitted our testimony with our written comments. I'm here if you have any questions. Thank you. Thank you, Charles. Next is DAB, >> chair, vice chair, and members of the committee. I'm Jun Tulio. Um, the DAB supports the intent of this measure, but we offer comments and we stand by our uh testimony. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, June. Ryan Mimoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau. >> Thank you, Chair Hawaiian support. >> Thank you, Robert Vince on Zoom. Good afternoon, chair, members of the committee, Robert Bence, um, member of the HA hemp task force. I have submitted written testimony with amendments. Unfortunately,
052this bill adds fees and regulations that would make it impossible and it's narrowly focused on a economically unfeasible method. the expanding it to all industrial hemp. Uh grant priority to hemp farmers who have grown in the state successfully completed at least one prior to 2025. And uh the big part of that in get the grant to the a department not in June's department. June is not capable of following this program. Big problems with June. >> Robert, your time's up. Thank you very much, Robert. >> Anyone else wishing to testify on this measure? Members, any questions? Okay. On this measure, we have six in support, zero opposed, and two with comments. 12. Okay, moving on to 2576. Uh, prohibits persons being perse excuse me, prohibits persons being prosecuted for or convicted of a crime of criminal
053trespass on egg land from owning, possessing, or controlling a firearm or ammunition. Uh, let's see. First up is Haley Chang from the Office of the Public Defender. They are opposed. on Zoom. Godfrey Akaka from the Native Hawaiian Gathering Rights Association. >> Aloha. Um, we support this bill. Um, there's been a lot of misunderstanding about native gathering rights and in my written testimony, I kind of explained how we need to be respectful of boundaries. Um just the other week we had in our homestead um hunters poaching and shooting towards um our uncle right next to us and they almost got shot because the hunt the poachers were shooting deer into somebody else's farm. Uh so it's a issue all over. Currently um my partner and I we also outfitting um leasing properties. We getting major issues.
054We were getting shot at. uh my wife, my grandkids, we getting shot at from poachers. We had uh three arrests already. They got convicted. The problem is right now the conviction was they supposed to owe $3,500 to us. The prosecutor told us that um >> It's out of his hands. So, we cannot There's no u >> Your time's up, Godfrey. Thank you very much for your testimony. >> I'm available for questions. Okay, thanks. Next is Nicole Galassi from the Hawaii Catelan's Council on Zoom. Thank you, Chair Gabbard, Vice Chair Richards. The Hawaii Cattleman's Council submitted testimony in support of this measure um because stronger measures are needed to deter trespassers and poachers. Many might think it's not an issue on big parcels of land, but put yourself in the boots of ranchers and farmers who
055are out there every day, often solo, and running into armed poachers. This continues to be a danger for our members, both men, women, young, and old. So, we're asking for help in deterring disrespectful disrespectful trespassers who put the food producers at risk of harm. Mahalo. >> Thank you, Nicole. Next is Jerry Euan with the Puuloa Rifle and Pistol Club on Zoom. >> Not on Zoom chair. >> He's in opposition. Andrew Namiki Roberts from the Hawaii Firearms Coalition on Zoom. >> Also not on Zoom. Chair >> also opposed. Uh Jason Walford on Zoom. >> Also not on Zoom. Chair >> opposed. Michael Rice on Zoom. >> Hello, Senator. um like Rice speaking in opposition to this bill. Um there seems to be a misunderstanding about this is that this is this would uh criminalize the misdemeanor
056level of this trespassing bill, which would be like on it would like if you simply went on a farmer's property, this is what it would fall under. If you if you have a gun already or if you're illegally hunting with a dangerous implement, that's already a felony under the current law. So, I'm not sure what that miscommunication is, but this would mean like if a hiker unarmed went onto somebody's property, they could they would now be essentially charged with a felony even though it's a misdemeanor. They they'd be pre prevented from purchasing a firearm or even possession such. Um, like I I can understand a lot of the concerns. Cranston Pio is down the road from me. Um, but that doesn't change that the man who killed him, if I can use that word correctly,
057uh, was would not have applied to this law. He was armed illegally. >> Mike, your time's up. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. >> Clayton Kubo on on Zoom. >> Not on Zoom. Chair >> in support. Let's see. Ryan Miamoto, Hawaii Farm Bureau. >> Thank you, Chair. The Hawaii Farm Bureau will stand on it written testimony in support. >> Okay. Anyone else wishing to testify on this measure? There are 81 opposed, 12 in support, zero comments. Members, are there any questions? >> Uh, question for the No police department any not police. That's okay. Chair. >> Okay. >> Yeah. No police department. >> All right. Moving on to SB 2112. >> Beginning January 27th bans the manufacturer sale offer of sale or distribution the state of any food
058that contains petroleum based synthetic food dyes and synthetic chemical additives. Okay. >> [snorts] >> First up is Department of Health, >> vice chair, members of the committee, Department of Health, Department of Health Services. Please stand available for questions. Thank you. >> Thank you. Jennifer Gardner on Zoom, National Confectioners Association. Thank you, Mr. Chair, committee members. Jennifer Gardner on behalf of the National Confectioners Association. NCA supports a strong food safety system, but we respectfully oppose Senate Bill 2112 as it would contribute to an unworkable patchwork of state ingredient restrictions. It's critical for confectioners to be able to rely on a unified federal standard administered by FDA. With with Hawaii importing between 85 and 90% of its food, differing state restrictions would impact thousands of products, disrupt supply chains, and increase costs for consumers who already pay
059roughly 33% more for groceries than the national average. FDA has accelerated its review of food and color additives, and manufacturers are already reformulating products. New state specific restrictions during this process would only complicate [clears throat] and impede these efforts. Additional information is in our written testimony. Thank you. Thank you, Jennifer. Next is Lauren Zerbal from Hawaii Food [snorts] Industry Association, >> not on Zoom. Chair, >> thank you, chair. Uh, actually in person. Good to see you guys. [laughter] >> Um, we submitted testimony in opposition primarily due to the fact that, um, we would suggest using the federal regulatory agency to handle this type of thing. Having a patchwork of different regulations across each state, especially for our state, which is remote and rather small, creates a lot of implementation issues for retailers, distributors, um, and
060can create issues with even getting certain types of products. Um, there is a lot of movement at the federal level right now. We included in our testimony a link to several of these that are currently being banned at the federal level. So, um, we don't think it is necessary for the state to pursue separate action. Also, it is extremely costly to do the testing um necessary to implement this. Thank you very much for the opportunity to testify. >> Thank you, Lauren. Anyone else wishing to testify on this measure? >> Members, any questions? >> Okay. Hearing none, uh we shall go into decision making. >> Chair. >> Yes. >> Before we do, can we uh have a little discussion about the uh the relating to trespass bill? the the >> the gun bill. >> Yes. >>
061So, is the I I understand that there's some concerns about whether the person is armed or not if they come onto the property. It doesn't seem like it would be a stretch to say if someone is criminally trespass sorry is criminally tres is convicted of criminal trespassing while bearing a a firearm that that would hold up better in terms of the the legalities of it if if you wanted to move something ahead. I don't know if you don't want to but you don't want to. It's your okay. But I think that would stand a better chance than having just somebody trespassing who's, you know, just walk using a walking stick or something for what it's worth. >> Okay. You know, um see I I I have the same um issue. You know, we've dealt with
062many trespassing and basically it's asking that you know, you abide by the law. You ask before you go, but you are arriving there in a trespassing capacity knowingly that you do not have the [clears throat] permission to enter into an property to try and avoid and you know at this point we don't have those the um the departments to ask these questions to at this time which makes it really difficult. I would hope that you would entertain the idea of at least trying to move it and have better discussion with these departments um that is looking at um basically we're not addressing the situation at hand. I I I don't this is not an anti-gun bill. It's about doing what is right. And those of us that have supported egg, um the fear between farms
063and ranches is that now an admirable profession of growing food in the state of Hawaii has now become protecting yourself and arming yourself from people shooting shots via ranches without having the consideration and respect of asking these land owners that maybe because there's employees that could possibly be shot in the process of working these farms and ranches are now being put in the forefront of now trying to protect yourself while you're trying to produce food. And this will be in regards to whether you're on small farm or big farm. And these people are really afraid that one day they're going to have to go to the family and say, "By the way, um your husband was shot due to a stray bullet because people decided to come in there and trespass." So I I am
064asking for your consideration that we have continue the discussion um so that we can have a better conversation at the end of the day this bill will come back to you in a conference committee um chair and that's my request. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Sure. I'll I'll weigh in on this a little bit. I reading the bill um I completely understand why it was written against safety in the workplace specific in agriculture. That being said, um I do understand the concern of just trespassing without a firearm. And u Senator Rhodess brought up an interesting question about if it is with a firearm and you're illegal already. There may be some merit there. Um I do agree with the the concerns of doing something if they just accidentally trespass. And so I completely
065support that that reasoning on that. But more importantly, the fact that this is triggering the conversation because people in agriculture are concerned for their safety. I can recount story after story after story about illegal trespassing with firearms and that is a big concern. So um [clears throat] I I do not support this bill the way it is. Uh and I'm but I'm open for conversation. And so I appreciate that, Senator Rhodess, for what you proposed and I but I fully support the direction we're headed right now. Thank you, Chair. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So, we'll go. Okay. On uh SP 2941, we'll go right into decision-m here now. uh the prohibiting the sale and rental distribution of disposable body boards. Um I was made aware that the county of Kawaii has already passed they're
066already banning disposable body boards as of December of last year and I would like to recommend that we follow suit and pass this measure as is. Any discussion? Senator Richards chair votes I vice chair >> on Senate bill 2941 passing un amendment un amended chair votes I vice chair votes I senator decoy >> I >> senator roads I >> senator awa is excused chair have four in favor motion is adopted >> thank you members and then moving on to SB 2712 uh the chair's recommendation will be to uh pass with amendments incorporating the AG's office suggested amendments that establishes uh required grant standards and correct technical drafting issues as well as the Hawaii sustainable farms. Suggested amendments to expand eligible hemp uses prioritize USDA compliant growers and remove search charges and additional regulatory burdens. We'll
067also make technical amendments and include deferring the date to uh July 1st, 2050. uh blank the appropriation amount and insert into the committee report for consideration. Any discussion? Chair votes I >> on Senate Bill 2712 passing with amendments of the members in attendance. Anybody voting with reservations? Any no votes? Chair, you have four in favor. Motion adopted. >> And Pan Pereé, thank you. Members, uh SP uh relating to trespass. Um, >> so while I hear what you're saying, Senator Koy, and appreciate the input of the committee members, the fact is, as you well know, we are out of time, I would like to uh so I would like to uh in terms of this session uh yeah, we're going to [snorts] be deferring this bill indefinitely. So, we'll have to pick up that conversation next
068session. And then on SP 2112, this related to petroleum based food dyes, I'd like to pass this one with amendments incorporating the animal health institute suggested amendments to clarify that the measure applies only to food for human consumption and will also note in the committee report the Department of Health's funding and position appropriation requests for consideration. Any discussion? >> Chair. >> Yes. Um though I fully appreciate the direction we're headed with our nutrition, I cannot ignore the industry's concerns as we're transitioning over. So I'll support it with supporting with reservations. >> Okay. [snorts] So with that, chair votes vice chair >> of the members in attendance. Anybody voting with reservations? >> Reservations. uh reservations for Senator Rhodess and Senator Decoy and Senator Richards. Chair, you have four in favor. Motion is adopted. >> Okay. Thank
069you members. And that concludes the 315 agenda. Hello and welcome to the 4:15 hearing of joint adenu. Two measures on the agenda. First up is SB 2706 relating to workforce development establishes a 5-year add workforce development pilot program within DAB in collaboration with UHSD with community college and human resources development. First up is DAB. Thank you, John. Brena Hashimoto from Department of Human Resources comments on Zoom. Kah Ducalo uh on Zoom. >> Not on Zoom, chair. >> Okay. And then Brian Miiamoto from Hawaii Farm Bureau. >> Thank you, chair. The Hawaii Farm Bureau will stand on its written testimony in support. >> Okay. Anyone else wishing to testify on this measure? Seeing none, members, any questions? Quick one for Deb. >> For the record, identify yourself. >> Oh, uh, Jonathan Hope. I'm quint branch manager.
070>> Okay. Thanks. Um, there's been so many different things try to get you guys more people coming through the pipeline. There's been talk about reducing qualifications and all that. um how do you see this benefiting you? >> Yes. So the the goal is to have I think like an intermediary workforce to the extent of so the bio security inspectors um are all bachelor of science four-year degree positions. So there's a lot of work that can be done um at like at the unit three level. So, we're trying to create is another series with in in conjunction with this to have um a higher paying uh series cuz so the the series that we have right now it like it caps at like a 13. So, it's not really a livable wage unfortunately. So, it's really
071hard to get folks in in the into into the work and stay. Yeah. So that then the goal is for this is right you have this pipeline that you can uh use as we get a lot of uh vacancies and then have folks that are well trained high qualified they know what the work is and what the expectations are and then um we get them right into the workforce to to do >> so they can become career as opposed to >> Yes. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you chair. >> Okay chair over to you. Okay, we are on Senate Bill 2320 relating to agriculture. Establishes the kulana egg tech pathways pilot program to create career pipelines in the fields of agriculture and agricultural technology. It requires university of Hawaii to collaborate with department of
072education on egg and biocurity agri development business. We have a number of members testifying. First of all, Kayashi from education DOE. Okay, he was in our hearing earlier. Uh Wendy Grady Oati not here. Uh that's for agri business in support. Hawaii department of a culture and biocurity department. >> Okay. And then Brian Miamoto from >> Thank you chair. The Hawaii Farm Bureau will stand on it written testimony and support. >> Great. Thank you. Anyone else wishing to testify on this measure? >> Please. Please identify yourself. >> Aloha, chairs, vice chairs, and the committees. My name is Carlen McFaten. I'm testifying on behalf of Hawaii Food Plus policy. Um, I actually was the author of the Kuana Act Tech Pathways proposal um that I sent to you, Mike Gabbard. Uh, so thank you so much for
073hearing this proposal and I just want to testify in strong support of this bill on behalf again for Hawaii food plus policy and I'll briefly highlight why this bill matters. Hawaii's farmers are aging, our food system is shrinking and we still import most of the food that we eat. At the same time, many young people want to work in agriculture but do not see a clear pathway. SB2320 helps us to close this gap. This bill brings high demand skills like GIS, drone technology, climate smart farming, and agricultural data into high school and uh programs. It creates real internships and dual credit pathways that connect students directly to farms and local businesses with regional a tech hubs tailored to each county. This bill would support workforce development, food security, and prep the next generation to steward
074the I know with both cultural knowledge and modern technology. Therefore, Hawaii Food Plus policy respect respectfully urges your support for SB2320. >> Thank you so much. Anyone else? >> Chair, vice chair, thank you for the opportunity. Uh sorry that our testimony was little bit late but it has been submitted and received. I just wanted to uh >> identify yourself first. Uh >> Parvand Greywald, Dean of Satar. >> Thank you. >> I wanted to just highlight a few items that we really uh appreciate this type of uh approach where all these agencies come together to develop a program like this and we have been working closely with DOE and last year we launched a summer research institute. It's a program that engages high school students and undergraduate students in research with their faculty. And this year,
075this program will be expanded to all islands where seat has the stations. And another effort we have is a to uh we are developing a three-year accelerated undergraduate program uh that will engage all students in uh actual work and then uh all the education would be online so that the students can have access to seatar education on all the islands. Um so we actually very supportive of this. Thank you. Okay. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else wishing to testify on this measure? Angela Melody Young cares um in strong support um of the agriculturally um um grown products and then of course jobs and internships for the students um with this program. Um so um one of my students from our church um we have a lot of farmland um in Yi and in Capo. So
076um we did a agricultural contest and my students won um it was from the mayor's office of sustainability and climate change for inspiring the best design for the county's first Aahu food systems plan. So, um I think growing sustainable food, um having um farm-to-table, farm-to-school strategies, um is so inspiring and a valuable lesson to teach future keis and ohas. Um and so, um you know, students when they learn about sustainable land practices, um they can be the future policy makers for the state of Hawaii and provide advice. um also for these efforts. So um I'm a fan. Thanks. >> Thank you very much. Anyone else? Hearing none. Members, any questions? >> I got one [clears throat] question. >> Okay. Uh >> yeah. >> Hi. Thank you Dean. Um so wouldn't um this program fall within
077the purview of College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience for Catar? It uh absolutely can and uh we already do quite a bit in this and we want to do more and last year we had a number of meetings with department of education uh to more collaboratively launch these opportunities so that they can support the high school students to engage and financially as well because from other islands if the opportunity is on a certain place they need to actually access it in some Okay. So, so you guys can already do this already >> portions of it. It's not a um you know big effort but we are trying to do our part. >> So doesn't the um doesn't Wahiwa does something like this already as part of one of the DOE schools. >> Um I
078am not uh I don't know. >> Yeah. Oh. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Followup question. So you collaborated with DOE in what form and with whom? >> I have uh meetings with uh the superintendent and his staff. Okay. >> And and there is a person there workforce development as well. >> Okay. >> Uh worked with them last year. Um we were starting our new program for the high school students. that time um everything was not you know time was not enough but we still launched the program and engaged many high school students on this island. >> Oh so the different high schools participate the schools or the students how how does that work? >> Pardon? >> How does that work? the students that are >> yeah students engage with their faculty uh in independent research
079projects and uh two students per faculty member and they work entire summer 2 months um >> for about 25 hours per >> and how many students you said 10 >> we had 32 students a majority of the students were local high schools from any school that they could come to uh at Manoa >> so with this pathways do Do folks like go to trips to Korea to see how they're doing their agriculture? >> Oh, absolutely. If there are opportunities, funding is mostly limited. That's the only issue. All this work that we have done so far, all our internal money moving around and we actually pay the faculty um money to for the project. We don't faculty salary but it is to support the project. So you've sent faculty to Korea to >> No, I haven't
080sent them. >> Okay. No. >> So you've not done any faculty or any any students to Korea? >> Yeah. Uh faculty might have their own programs engagement with other researchers different places but uh this is not a formal arrangement that I have made or we have made. I'm just [clears throat] asking that because I know DOE has sent many many many >> No, we not engaged in >> faculty to to Korea for number of years. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Sure. Should I go a followup question? >> Yes. >> Can you tell me what is um climate smart farming? >> What is that? >> Which is um taking more resilient approaches. What that means is that uh you are doing uh applying sustainable approach that is varieties that can be more resistant to variations in
081climate that way they can withstand and you also apply cultural practices that can help reduce uh stress on the plant so that it can still be productive when the variations occur. So, so if I was growing one tomato in probably why I help me understand climate change and cultural smart farming. >> Yeah. Um I wouldn't know where this location is yet. I'm still trying to learn >> west side hot dry envir you know I'm trying to grasp this >> backyard. >> Right. So in in those situations you want to um preserve whatever moisture that you have. >> So there's no moisture in there. >> Correct. So then you then you have to irrigate. But even in the those conditions if the temperature is so high then the plant might still wither. >> So then you
082create conditions of partial shade enclosed environment and uh yes you have to water plants gone too without water. >> Water they no more. >> Thank [clears throat] you. Yeah, just curious. Thank you. Thank you, chair. >> Okay, any other questions, members? Hearing none. Thank you very much. >> Hang on, chair. >> Oh, question. >> Quick question. >> Dean, >> appropriations is blank here. Do you [clears throat] have the funding or what kind of funding are we looking at to get this done? >> Um, so I am not aware of um how much funding, who has requested. I'm here because I'm interested in this workforce development. It's not >> I it's not our bill. >> Okay. But I'm supported because whatever we can do except for to do whatever we can do. >> Okay. Thank you.
083Thank you, chair. >> Thank you. So, chair, you have a number in mind? >> No. Okay. Okay. We are in decision making. You ready? >> Yeah. Go ahead. >> First. >> Yeah. >> Okay. In decision- making on the first item, SP 2706, establishing a 5-year A and biocurity workforce development within DAB. Uh the recommendation will be to pass. Sorry. Pass with technical amendments including deferring the date until July 1st, 2050. Uh for AEN discussion, chair votes I. Vice chair >> on Senate Bill 2706 passing with amendments. Chair votes I. Vice Chair votes I. Senator Decoy. >> Hi. >> Senator Rhodess. I >> senator Awa is excused. Chair, you have four in favor. Motion adopted. >> Thank you members. >> Thank you for the committee on education. Same recommendation to pass with amendments. Chair votes eye.
084>> Members SB 2706. Chair recommendations pass with amendment. Chair votes eye. Vice chair is excused. Senator Fukunaga is excused. I vote I. Senator Dort. >> Chair recommendations adopted. >> Thank you. And for Senate Bill 2320, recommendation is to do a uh Senate draft 1 with technical and non-s substantive amendments. Uh the appropriation is blank on page five already and we will um we will defect the date to July 1, 20150. Any discussion? Hearing none. Chair votes I >> members SB 2320 chair's recommendation pass with amendments. Chair votes I noting the excuse of Senator Kidani and Fukunaga. Any members voting with reservations? Any members voting no without others voting I. Recommendations adopted. Thank you. >> Same recommendation for AEN. Any discussion? Chair votes I. Vice chair. Senate bill 2320 passing with amendments. Uh chair votes I.
085Vice chair will vote I. Senator decoy I. >> Senator Rose I. Senator Alwa is excused. Motion is adopted. Okay. And that adjourns the