HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

507

TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to Food sustainability.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that it is extremely important to support food sustainability and self-sufficiency.  House Concurrent Resolution No. 167, Session Laws of Hawaii 2011, requested the department of agriculture to convene a working group to examine the Federal 2008 Farm Bill amendment to The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.  The working group submitted its report to the 2012 legislature, which recommends that strong consideration should be directed to amend the state planning act with the intent to codify a buy local policy.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to amend the state planning act to codify a buy local policy in order to promote food sustainability and self-sufficiency. 

     SECTION 2.  Section 226-7, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

     "(b)  To achieve the agriculture objectives, it shall be the policy of this State to:

     (1)  Establish a clear direction for Hawaii's agriculture through stakeholder commitment and advocacy.

     (2)  Encourage agriculture by making best use of natural resources.

     (3)  Provide the governor and the legislature with information and options needed for prudent decision making for the development of agriculture.

     (4)  Establish strong relationships between the agricultural and visitor industries for mutual marketing benefits.

     (5)  Foster increased public awareness and understanding of the contributions and benefits of agriculture as a major sector of Hawaii's economy.

     (6)  Seek the enactment and retention of federal and state legislation that benefits Hawaii's agricultural industries.

     (7)  Strengthen diversified agriculture by developing an effective promotion, marketing, and distribution system between Hawaii's producers and [consumer markets locally, on the continental United States,] consumers in the state, nationally, and internationally.

     (8)  Support research and development activities that strengthen economic productivity in agriculture, stimulate greater efficiency, and enhance the development of new products and agricultural by-products.

     (9)  Enhance agricultural growth by providing public incentives and encouraging private initiatives.

    (10)  Assure the availability of agriculturally suitable lands with adequate water to accommodate present and future needs.

    (11)  Increase the attractiveness and opportunities for an agricultural education and livelihood.

    (12)  Expand Hawaii's agricultural base by promoting growth and development of flowers, tropical fruits and plants, livestock, feed grains, forestry, food crops, aquaculture, and other potential enterprises.

    (13)  Promote economically competitive activities that increase Hawaii's agricultural self-sufficiency[.] including the increased purchase of Hawaii-grown foods by residents and institutions such as public schools, prisons, hospitals, and the military.

    (14)  Promote and assist in the establishment of sound financial programs for diversified agriculture.

    (15)  Institute and support programs and activities to assist the entry of displaced agricultural workers into alternative agricultural or other employment.

    (16)  Facilitate the transition of agricultural lands in economically nonfeasible agricultural production to economically viable agricultural uses."

     SECTION 3.  Section 226-103, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:

     "(d)  Priority guidelines to promote the growth and development of diversified agriculture and aquaculture:

     (1)  Identify, conserve, and protect agricultural and aquacultural lands of importance and initiate affirmative and comprehensive programs to promote economically productive agricultural and aquacultural uses of such lands.

     (2)  Assist in providing adequate, reasonably priced water for agricultural activities.

     (3)  Encourage public and private investment to increase water supply and to improve transmission, storage, and irrigation facilities in support of diversified agriculture and aquaculture.

     (4)  Assist in the formation and operation of production and marketing associations and cooperatives to reduce production and marketing costs.

     (5)  Encourage and assist with the development of a waterborne and airborne freight and cargo system capable of meeting the needs of Hawaii's agricultural community.

     (6)  Seek favorable freight rates for Hawaii's agricultural products from interisland and overseas transportation operators.

     (7)  Encourage the development and expansion of agricultural and aquacultural activities which offer long-term economic growth potential and employment opportunities.

     (8)  Continue the development of agricultural parks and other programs to assist small independent farmers in securing agricultural lands and loans.

     (9)  Require agricultural uses in agricultural subdivisions and closely monitor the uses in these subdivisions.

    (10)  Support the continuation of land currently in use for diversified agriculture.

    (11)  Encourage residents and visitors alike to support Hawaii's farmers by purchasing locally-grown products."

     SECTION 4.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Food sustainability; Locally-grown products

 

Description:

Amends the State Planning Act to encourage purchases of Hawaii-grown foods by individuals and institutions, including public institutions.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.