STAND. COM. REP. NO.  146-14

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2014

 

RE:   H.B. No. 1987

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Agriculture, to which was referred H.B. No. 1987 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to permit the acquisition of raw milk and raw milk products by owners of, or persons with an undivided interest in, cows, goats, and sheep, under certain conditions.

 

     The Hawaii Farmers Union United and ten individuals provided testimony in support of this measure.  The Department of Health and one individual provided testimony in opposition to this measure.  The Department of Agriculture submitted comments.

 

     Your Committee finds that raw milk provides significant benefits that are not supplied by pasteurized milk.  For example, pasteurization destroys vitamins B6 and B12 and beneficial bacteria, and it damages or destroys essential proteins and enzymes.  Further, lactose intolerant persons may be able to digest raw milk better and without discomfort because enzymes have not been damaged or destroyed.  Accordingly, your Committee finds that, under certain circumstances, persons should have access to raw milk or raw milk products.

 

     Your Committee is aware of certain health concerns about raw unpasteurized milk but finds that it would be more appropriate for the Committee on Health to further evaluate and address these concerns.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical nonsubstantive amendments for purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1987, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1987, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Health.

 

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

 

 

 

 

____________________________

JESSICA WOOLEY, Chair