Bill > HB2135

This bill establishes the Hawaii Farm TEAM Card Program, administered by the Department of Agriculture and Biodiversity and the Department of Taxation, to support qualified farmers by allowing them to purchase certain agricultural materials without paying the general excise tax, which is Hawaii's state sales tax. The program will begin accepting applications on January 1, 2027, and the exemption for agricultural materials, which includes items like feed, fertilizer, and fencing, will be in effect starting July 1, 2026. The bill also outlines penalties for misuse of the program, such as reselling or using exempt materials for non-agricultural purposes, which could result in paying back taxes, penalties, and having the farm TEAM card suspended or revoked. Furthermore, the Department of Agriculture and Biodiversity will review the program's effectiveness and report its findings to the legislature within five years.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2135&year=2026