HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

891

TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 one 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 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 amount to approximately $313,000,000 which would remain in the State and generate more than 2,300 jobs.  Investing in farmland and irrigation infrastructure will bring Hawaii closer to becoming self-sufficient, and local investments will benefit local residents.

     The legislature further finds that Governor Ige recently set the policy goal of doubling 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 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 governor and department of agriculture to develop a strategic plan outlining benchmarks to achieve the governor's goal of doubling food production 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)  Double local food production and exports by 2020;

     (2)  Identification of food crops that can be grown locally to replace imports and increase exports of food crops and value-added products from Hawaii;

     (3)  Identification of lands for the production of food crops that can be grown locally to replace imports, for raising livestock, and for developing value-added products;

     (4)  Guidance for decisions regarding land acquisition, irrigation, and agricultural infrastructure; and

     (5)  Identification of the implications and effects of the Food Safety Modernization Act.

     (c)  The department of agriculture shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including proposed strategies, benchmarks, and metrics, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2018 for the purposes of codifying into law the increased food production strategic plan and benchmarks.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 31, 2150.


 


 

Report Title:

Agriculture; Increased Local Food Production; Strategic Plan; Department of Agriculture; Governor

 

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 exports by 2020.  Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit a report to the legislature prior to the Regular Session of 2018 in order to codify the strategic plan and benchmarks.  (HB891 HD1)

 

 

 

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