Bill > SB827

This bill establishes a grant program administered by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to expand meat processing capacity in Hawaii, with a specific focus on creating opportunities for processing meat from invasive axis deer and other wild game. The program will provide financial assistance to new or existing meat processing facilities that are willing to accept meat donations from hunters, with applicants required to meet several detailed criteria including being properly licensed, providing a comprehensive project plan, agreeing to use funds exclusively for program purposes, and complying with non-discrimination and legal requirements. Hunters who donate meat will be granted access to facilities receiving grant funds. The bill also appropriates funding for the grant program and establishes two full-time equivalent (FTE) meat inspector positions to support the initiative. The underlying motivation is to address the current limited meat processing capacity in the state, which prevents hunters and smaller ranchers from effectively utilizing wild game meat, while simultaneously addressing the environmental challenge posed by invasive axis deer populations. The grant program aims to enhance food security and provide a constructive solution to managing invasive species by creating a structured pathway for processing and potentially distributing donated wild game meat. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2050.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=827&year=2026