Bill > HB2595

This bill establishes a two-year working group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, called the Regional Agricultural Feasibility and Food Systems Production Studies Working Group, to conduct detailed analyses of what crops can be grown profitably in different regions of the state and to assess the feasibility of food production systems. This group will be composed of representatives from various state agencies, including the University of Hawaii, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, the Agribusiness Development Corporation, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources, to ensure a comprehensive approach that considers agro-ecology, economics, infrastructure, and labor. The working group's studies will examine crop potential, production risks, infrastructure needs like processing and storage, labor requirements, opportunities for controlled environment agriculture (such as vertical farming), and how local production can align with institutional demand from places like schools and hospitals, with a specific focus on addressing the unique needs of neighbor islands. The group is required to submit interim and final reports to the Legislature detailing its findings, recommendations for policy and investment, and strategies to support farmers of all scales, and the bill includes an appropriation of funds for its implementation, with the working group set to be repealed on June 30, 2028.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2595&year=2026