Bill > HB452

This bill establishes a grant program administered by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to expand meat processing capacity in Hawaii, with a specific focus on processing meat from axis deer (an invasive species) and other wild game. The program aims to help smaller ranchers and hunters donate meat to non-profit food distribution services, thereby enhancing food security. Grant recipients must be licensed or accredited, provide detailed project plans, use funds exclusively for program purposes, and meet various compliance requirements, including non-discrimination standards and proper record-keeping. Applicants must have already spent money toward expanding meat processing capacity and cannot receive grants for costs incurred more than five years prior. The bill allows DBEDT to collaborate with other state departments like Agriculture, Land and Natural Resources, and Health in developing the program. While the specific dollar amount for grants is not specified in the bill text, funds will be appropriated from general state revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The program includes provisions for administrative rules, application review, and monitoring to ensure proper use of grant funds. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 3000 (which appears to be a placeholder date).

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=452&year=2026