Report Title:

Pineapple Research; Appropriation

Description

Appropriates funds for pineapple research.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

546

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

making an appropriation for pineapple research.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the Hawaiian pineapple industry is a leader among Hawaii's agricultural commodities and a strong component of the State's economic base. According to the Hawaii agricultural statistics service, Hawaiian pineapple production was reported at $96,300,000 farm value and estimated at three hundred twenty-three thousand tons. The three pineapple companies pay $6,200,000 in state taxes, employ up to three thousand people with payrolls totaling more than $57,000,000, and generate $53,000,000 of ancillary support business with the airlines, ocean shipping, box manufacturing, construction and distribution industries.

The legislature also finds that losing this industry would economically damage the State, as well as jeopardize the viability of our rural communities. The industry helps to preserve a "green" Hawaii, with more than twenty-two thousand acres of pineapple fields on Oahu and Maui, many of which preserve view plains, as well as significant historical and archeological sites. In addition, the industry maintains and improves water systems that benefit the entire State.

The legislature further finds that Hawaii's pineapple industry has met shifts in market demands and increased global competition through added value products like fresh chilled or cut pineapple, sweeter, low-acid premium fresh fruit, and pineapple salsa. However, Hawaii's pineapple industry continues to face increased competition with countries that have lower labor, land, and water costs, and less stringent environmental requirements.

Ongoing research and development are essential in ensuring that this industry can compete effectively with outside competition. Research can also lead to improvements in the quality and quantity of pineapple production in Hawaii. In partnership with the State, the industry provides an estimated $190,000 of in-kind support to current research appropriations. In addition, the three pineapple companies conduct more than $1,410,000 of proprietary research annually.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for pineapple research.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $217,232 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2003-2004 and the sum of $200,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2004-2005 for pineapple research.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2003.

INTRODUCED BY:

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