Bill > HB773

This bill aims to address challenges faced by Hawaii's farmers and ranchers in accessing grant funding by establishing dedicated grant specialist positions within the Department of Agriculture. The legislation recognizes that many agricultural businesses struggle to secure financial support and find grant application processes complex. The bill will appropriate state funds to create full-time equivalent (FTE) grant specialist positions specifically tasked with helping farmers and ranchers navigate grant applications from various sources, including the United States Department of Agriculture, state, county, and private entities. These specialists will provide technical expertise to assist agricultural businesses in applying for, obtaining, and fulfilling grant requirements, with a particular focus on supporting farmers and ranchers who produce local food that is consumed within Hawaii. While the specific funding amount is not specified in the bill text, the appropriation is intended for the fiscal year 2025-2026, and the grant specialist positions are designed to increase production capacity, create new business opportunities, and potentially expand employment in Hawaii's agricultural sector.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=773&year=2025