Bill > HB2155

This bill mandates the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to revitalize and enhance its Agricultural Statistics Program to collect comprehensive data on local agricultural interests, including production, distribution, and sales of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as specific sectors like aquaculture, coffee, and tropical fruits, with the goal of supporting producers, policymakers, and the strategic growth of Hawaii's agricultural sector. The program will involve developing electronic systems for data capture and analysis, establishing a rotation schedule for sector-specific surveys, and ensuring that collected data remains confidential unless presented in an aggregate, non-identifiable form. To achieve these objectives, the bill appropriates funds for new positions such as agricultural economists and research statisticians, office space, equipment, electronic system development, and contracted specialty surveys, and allows the department to collaborate with various national and local entities, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the University of Hawaii.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2155&year=2026