THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

624

TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017

S.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

 

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 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 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 such local investments will benefit local residents.

     The legislature further finds that the governor has 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 department of agriculture, in cooperation with the Office of the Governor, to develop a strategic plan outlining benchmarks to achieve the governor's goal of doubling food production and increase 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)  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 implications and effects of the Food Safety Modernization Act.

     (c)  The department of agriculture shall submit the strategic plan, 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.  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 2017-2018 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 31, 2150.


 


 

Report Title:

Agriculture; Increased Local Food Production; Strategic Plan; Department of Agriculture; 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 prior to the Regular Session of 2018 to codify the strategic plan and benchmarks.  Makes an appropriation.  (SB624 HD1)

 

 

 

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