Bill > SB509

This bill aims to address Hawaii's limited slaughterhouse infrastructure by requiring the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to identify suitable sites statewide for developing new slaughterhouses and mandating the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to plan, design, construct, and operate these facilities. The legislation recognizes the current challenges in the state's livestock industry, including only one hog slaughterhouse on Oahu and the need to ship livestock to the continental United States for processing, which increases costs and environmental impacts. The bill requires DBEDT to evaluate potential sites based on factors like proximity to livestock production, environmental considerations, and community needs. The ADC must develop slaughterhouses that process various non-beef animals such as axis deer, hogs, sheep, and goats, while ensuring compliance with USDA, state health department, and local regulations. To support this initiative, the bill appropriates $200,000 for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to fund plans, design, construction, and equipment for the slaughterhouse development, with the ultimate goal of enhancing local food sustainability, increasing food security, and supporting Hawaii's agricultural sector.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=509&year=2025