Bill > SB495

This bill addresses Hawaii's meat production and import challenges by appropriating $2 million in each of fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support shock aging technology in meat processing. Shock aging is an innovative technique that reduces meat processing time while improving meat quality by minimizing microbial contamination and enhancing tenderness and flavor. Currently, Hawaii imports approximately 100 million pounds of meat annually, making the state vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions. The bill authorizes the Agribusiness Development Corporation to develop and construct facilities capable of shock aging processes and to contract with existing and future slaughterhouses in the state. Funds will be allocated from general state revenues, with $2 million deposited into the Hawaii Agricultural Development Revolving Fund and another $2 million appropriated from that fund specifically for programmatic funding related to shock aging meat facilities. The goal is to reduce Hawaii's dependence on imported meat, strengthen the local agricultural economy, and potentially create opportunities for high-value meat exports by investing in advanced meat processing infrastructure and technology.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=495&year=2025