Bill > HR70

This Resolution formally requests the Office of the Auditor to conduct a performance audit of the ten agricultural parks managed by the Agricultural Resource Management Division of the Department of Agriculture. These agricultural parks are designated areas intended to support and encourage agricultural operations, providing plots with access to infrastructure like irrigation to assist small family farms. The audit is prompted by concerns, highlighted in a Honolulu Civil Beat article and other observations, that the program may not be effectively serving its original purpose due to issues such as a burdensome application process, difficulty for new farmers to obtain plots, and varying popularity among the parks, with some plots remaining vacant. The resolution also notes the broader context of the state's goal to increase local food production and past findings of deficiencies in related agricultural development agencies. The Office of the Auditor is required to submit a report of its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislative changes to the Legislature by a specific date before the 2023 legislative session.