Bill Text: HI SB375 | 2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating To Agriculture.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-0)
Status: (Passed) 2019-07-01 - Act 151, 06/26/2019 (Gov. Msg. No. 1253). [SB375 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2019-SB375-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
375 |
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THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019 |
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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 Hawaii has not developed a plan to transition its agriculture industry, once dominated by sugar and pineapple, to an industry that is beneficial for diversified food crops. While diversified agriculture has increased, industry experts estimate that Hawaii imports approximately eighty-five to ninety per cent of the food that it consumes.
According to a report issued in October 2012 by the office of planning in cooperation with the department of agriculture, entitled "Increased Food Security and Food Self-Sufficiency Strategy: A State Strategic/Functional Plan Prepared in Accordance with HRS Chapter 226 Hawaii State Plan and the Hawaii Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy", replacing just ten per cent of the food Hawaii currently imports would retain approximately $313,000,000 in the State and generate more than two thousand three hundred jobs. Investing in farmland and irrigation infrastructure will bring Hawaii closer to self-sufficiency, and local investments will benefit local residents.
The legislature further finds that the governor has recently set the policy goal of doubling Hawaii's food production by 2020. However, details on how to achieve this objective have yet to be identified. Issues such as preserving agricultural land, identifying food crops for local production, and improving irrigation and agricultural infrastructure need immediate attention so that doubling food production can become a realistic objective. Implications of the federal Food Safety Modernization Act, which will have significant effects on local agriculture, must also be addressed.
The purpose of this Act is to require the department of agriculture, in cooperation with the office of the governor, to develop a strategic plan to achieve the governor's goal of doubling food production and increasing food exports by 2020.
SECTION 2. (a) The department of agriculture, in cooperation with the office of the governor, shall establish a strategic plan that identifies benchmarks for increased food production in Hawaii and increased exports of food crops and value-added products from Hawaii.
(b) The strategic plan shall identify benchmarks that are quantitatively and qualitatively measurable and the metrics to determine progress toward the following goals:
(1) Doubling local food production and exports by 2020;
(2) Identifying food crops that may be grown locally to replace imports and increase exports of food crops and value-added products from Hawaii;
(3) Identifying lands for the production of food crops that may be grown locally to replace imports, for raising livestock, and for developing value-added products;
(4) Developing guidance for decisions regarding land acquisition, irrigation, and agricultural infrastructure; and
(5) Identifying implications and effects of the federal Food Safety Modernization Act.
(c) The department of agriculture shall submit the strategic plan, including proposed strategies, benchmarks, and metrics, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2020.
SECTION 3. 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 2019-2020 for the purpose of developing a strategic plan outlining benchmarks to achieve the governor's goal of doubling food production and exports in the State by 2020.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2019.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Agriculture; Increased Local Food Production; Strategic Plan; HDOA; Governor; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the Office of the Governor, to develop a strategic plan to double local food production and increase food exports by 2020. Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit the strategic plan to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
