Bill > SB558

This bill establishes a Food and Product Innovation Network within the Agribusiness Development Corporation to support Hawaii's agricultural and economic diversification goals. The network will help local businesses develop and commercialize innovative food and value-added products by providing access to manufacturing equipment, expertise, and resources across multiple facilities on different Hawaiian islands, including locations in Kauai, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu. The network aims to help businesses capitalize on the "made in Hawaii" brand, create world-class products, and scale up production through resources like courses on entrepreneurship, marketing, business management, and product development. Partner members will include various facilities such as the University of Hawaii Maui College Food Innovation Center and the University of Hawaii Leeward Community College Value-Added Product Development Center. The network will offer support from early-stage product trials to commercialization, provide low-risk commercial production capabilities, help businesses obtain export certifications, and develop entrepreneurs. The Agribusiness Development Corporation will be required to submit annual reports to the Legislature detailing the network's activities, progress, and impact on Hawaii's agriculture and food industries. The bill also includes an appropriation of funds for developing these innovation network facilities during fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=558&year=2025