Bill > HB782

This bill establishes a temporary working group within Hawaii's Department of Agriculture to review and recommend changes to agricultural laws that may be unnecessary or outdated. The working group will consist of 15 members, including representatives from various state departments, county governments, and agricultural organizations like the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council. The group will specifically examine issues such as restrictions on state agricultural land leases, agricultural operation loan rates, workforce development regulations, water access permits, and procurement policies affecting locally grown food. Members from state agencies will serve without compensation, while non-state members will receive travel expense reimbursement. The working group is required to submit a comprehensive report with findings and proposed legislation to the legislature by late 2025, and will officially dissolve on June 30, 2026. The bill acknowledges the challenges facing Hawaii's agricultural industry, including climate change, globalization, invasive species, and labor shortages, and aims to modernize agricultural policies to help the sector survive and thrive. The bill includes an appropriation of funds for the working group's activities and is set to take effect on July 1, 2050.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=782&year=2025