Daily Archives: March 8, 2008

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu

Written Remarks

House Bill 2503

Agricultural-Energy Facilities

March 4, 2008

I rise in support.

This bill would allow agricultural-energy facilities on agricultural land use districts provided that the primary activity of the agricultural-energy enterprise is agricultural activity.  “Agricultural-energy facility” means a facility that generates, stores, or distributes renewable energy or renewable fuel including electrical or thermal energy or liquid or gaseous fuels from products of agricultural activities from agricultural lands located in the state.

It is important that we increase energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy resources to increase Hawaii's energy self-sufficiency so that we can achieve broad societal benefits, including increased energy security, resistance to increases in oil prices, environmental sustainability, economic development, and job creation.  To shape Hawaii's energy and agricultural future and achieve the goal of energy and food self-sufficiency for the state, our efforts must continue on all fronts, integrating new and evolving technologies, seizing upon opportunities to become more economically diversified, and providing incentives and assistance to support agriculture and renewable energy.

Thank you.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu

Written Remarks

House Bill 2361, House Draft 1

Important Agricultural Lands; Designation of Public Lands

March 4, 2008

I rise in support.

The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Land and Natural Resources shall collaborate to identify public lands that should be designated important agricultural lands and prepare maps delineating those lands.  The Department of Agriculture will manage, administer, and exercise control over any public lands that are designated important agricultural lands, including but not limited to establishing priorities for the leasing of these public lands within the department's jurisdiction.  By classifying public agricultural lands as important agricultural lands, we will protect agricultural lands for the production of agricultural produce and other agricultural activities, which helps Hawai'i to be more self-sustainable.

Thank you.

Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu

Written Remarks

House Bill 2138, House Draft 1

Establishes an annual Caregiver Recognition Day on the first Saturday of November.

March 4, 2008

I rise in support.

The first Saturday of November shall be known and designated as “Caregiver Recognition Day”, in recognition of the very significant role that caregivers play in support of Hawaii's elderly and persons with disabilities.

As used in this section, “caregiver” means any person who has undertaken the care, custody, or physical assistance of an elderly or disabled person, including but not limited to compensated or uncompensated family members or other relatives, or any person who has the desire, or a legal, or contractual duty to care for the health, safety, and welfare of an elderly or disabled person, including owners, operators, employees, or staff of long-term care facilities and community home-based institutions.“

Thank you.