Report Title:

Bioremediation of Agricultural Lands; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds for bioremediation pilot project on agricultural lands in West Maui. (SD1)

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

3153

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR BIOREMEDIATION RESEARCH.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii encompasses tremendous biological, physical, and social diversity within these small island ecosystems. Historic patterns of land use emphasized large-scale agricultural plantations, extensive rangelands, and forested conservation land. Today, plantation agriculture is declining and new diversified agriculture, forestry, and urbanization are increasing. Extensive areas of degraded and idle lands present special problems.

The legislature further finds that sound scientific tools and environmentally sustainable technologies are required for predicting and mitigating any detrimental impacts of land use change. Improving the quality of ground and surface water, increasing food safety, and reducing pesticide risks are some of the priorities in promoting sustainable agriculture. Farmers must be equipped with new and best management practices that are environmentally sound, profitable, and acceptable to the community.

Maui Land and Pineapple, in conjunction with Maui community college and Earth University of Costa Rica, are in the initial stages of creating an educational and agricultural-entrepreneur training program, called Maui Ag Partners. This pilot program will focus on determining the best management practices for bioremediation of contaminated soil on former pineapple lands in West Maui. This project complements the bioremediation work of the Pacific cooperative studies unit of the college of natural sciences at the University of Hawaii. A joint effort can leverage additional non-state funds and resources to support sustainable agriculture through rehabilitation of pesticide-laden soils.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to support the cooperative efforts for bioremediation research on former pineapple lands in West Maui.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2004-2005, for a pilot project on bioremediation research by Maui Ag Partners coordinated by the Pacific cooperative studies unit of the college of natural sciences and the college of tropical agriculture and human resources at the University of Hawaii, to be matched by non-state funds through Maui Ag Partners for the purpose for which this sum is appropriated.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2004.