Senate committees pass resolutions urging U.S. Department of Agriculture to address export parity for Hawaii agricultural goods

The Senate committees advanced two resolutions asking Hawaii’s congressional delegation to petition the U.S. Department of Agriculture to address what the measures call a “lack of parity” between Hawaii and other states and territories for exporting agricultural goods.

The measures—SCR34 and SR20—were introduced and supported by the Department of Agriculture. Department of Agriculture representative Matthew Loca told the committees, “We will stand on our testimony in support of these resolutions…I'll be happy to take questions.” Leymomi Khan also registered support on the record.

The committees voted to pass the resolutions with technical, non‑substantive amendments for clarity and consistency. Chair Gabbard and Senators Richards and Y announced their affirmative votes during the roll call; other members were noted as excused. The committees’ clerks recorded the recommendations as adopted.

The resolutions request that Hawaii’s congressional delegation ask USDA to evaluate and correct differences in treatment or program parity that affect the ability of Hawaii growers and exporters to send agricultural goods to mainland markets and territories. The written testimony submitted by the Department of Agriculture was entered into the record; no formal changes to state law were proposed in the hearing itself.

The committee record shows the measures were forwarded out of committee with the noted technical amendments and will appear on future calendars for further action by the full Senate.

Votes at a glance: SCR34 / SR20 — passed (committees voted to pass with technical non‑substantive amendments).