Bill Text: HI HB2134 | 2024 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To Agriculture.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 14-0)
Status: (Engrossed) 2024-03-13 - Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to WAM. [HB2134 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2024-HB2134-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2134 |
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THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024 |
H.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that many of Hawaii's farmers and ranchers are finding difficulty in securing the financial support necessary to build a thriving, vibrant business. Various sources of funding, including grants provided by the United States Department of Agriculture and the State, counties, and private entities, are available for farmers and ranchers. Access to grants from the United States Department of Agriculture and other sources can increase production capacity, provide new business opportunities, and increase employment opportunities within the State's agricultural industry.
The legislature further finds that farmers and ranchers applying for grants may have to complete an application process that is sometimes complex. Without specific technical expertise in grant writing, many farmers and ranchers may be deterred from applying for those grants. Well-trained and skilled grant specialists would be able to assist farmers and ranchers in obtaining and fulfilling the requirements of grants.
The purpose of this Act is to establish grant specialist positions within the department of agriculture to assist farmers and ranchers in applying for, obtaining, and fulfilling the requirements of grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, or private entities.
SECTION 2. 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 2024-2025 for the establishment of full-time equivalent ( FTE) grant specialist positions within the department of agriculture to assist farmers and ranchers in applying for, obtaining, and fulfilling the requirements of grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, or private entities; provided that the grant specialist positions shall prioritize assisting farmers and ranchers who produce local food that is at least partly consumed within the State.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37‑91 and 37‑93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in H.B. No. , will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be exceeded by $ or per cent. In addition, the appropriation contained in this Act will cause the general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be further exceeded by $ or per cent. The combined total amount of general fund appropriations contained in only these two Acts will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024‑2025 to be exceeded by $ or per cent. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:
(1) The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and
(2) The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Department of Agriculture; Grant Specialist Positions; Appropriation; Expenditure Ceiling
Description:
Appropriates funds to establish grant specialist positions within the Department of Agriculture. 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.
