Bill > SB504

This bill establishes a Local Agriculture Transportation Cost Reimbursement Program within Hawaii's Department of Agriculture to help farmers and ranchers offset transportation expenses. The program will reimburse eligible agricultural producers up to 50% of their transportation costs, with a maximum individual reimbursement of $25,000 per fiscal year for individual producers and $50,000 for cooperative aggregators or food hubs. To qualify, producers must be livestock owners, agricultural commodity producers, or small-scale farmers with commercial intent, and must transport goods within the state using motor vehicles, air cargo, parcel, or water cargo services. Eligible transportation includes moving livestock, agricultural products, or necessary supplies to market. The program aims to support local agricultural production by reducing financial barriers, with the department required to submit an annual report to the legislature detailing the number of producers reimbursed, total funds disbursed, and potential program improvements. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds for the program and creates a new full-time equivalent position within the Department of Agriculture to administer the reimbursement initiative, with the goal of increasing local agricultural production, enhancing food security, and supporting Hawaii's agricultural sector.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=504&year=2026