Bill > SB506

This bill addresses the decline of agricultural productivity in Hawaii by establishing a comprehensive approach to gathering and analyzing agricultural data. The legislation mandates that the Department of Agriculture conduct a one-year study on agricultural markets for Hawaii farmers, focusing on strategies to support and revitalize the state's agricultural sector. The bill appropriates funding to create two full-time equivalent (FTE) positions: one data scientist or market analyst to conduct data analysis, and one field researcher to collect agricultural data and develop a public-facing agricultural data dashboard. The department is required to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature before the 2026 regular session, with the goal of providing policymakers and farmers with high-quality, actionable information to support sustainable farming practices, guide land use, and inform future agricultural investments. The bill recognizes the critical importance of modern data gathering methodologies in understanding and supporting Hawaii's agricultural ecosystem, with an ultimate aim of reversing the decades-long decline in agricultural product value. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2050, giving the state ample time to implement these data-driven agricultural initiatives.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=506&year=2026