Bill Text: HI HB786 | 2017 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Relating To Agriculture.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2017-02-01 - The committee(s) on AGR recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. [HB786 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2017-HB786-Introduced.html

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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	786
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to agriculture.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that it is in the best interests of the State to update its economic objectives for agriculture after the closure of Hawaii's sugar and pineapple industries.

     The legislature further finds that it makes sense for the State to pursue economic objectives for agriculture by prioritizing farming methods that increase production of nutritious foods, improve soil health, and decrease erosion and runoff.  It is also important for the State to explore agriculture methods that increase food security, satisfy consumer preferences, and meet the demand for locally-grown staple and food crops, fruits, and native Hawaiian plants.

     The purpose of this Act is to update the Hawaii State Planning Act's economic objectives for agriculture after the closure of Hawaii's sugar and pineapple industries and transition to agriculture farming methods that improve Hawaii's food, soil, and water quality.

     SECTION 2.  Section 226-7, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsections (a) and (b) to read as follows:

     "(a)  Planning for the State's economy with regard to agriculture shall be directed towards achievement of the following objectives:

     (1)  [Viability of Hawaii's sugar and pineapple industries.] Agriculture farming methods that improve Hawaii's food, soil, and water quality.

     (2)  Growth and development of diversified agriculture throughout the State.

     (3)  An agriculture [industry] sector that continues to constitute a dynamic and essential component of Hawaii's strategic, economic, and social well-being.

     (b)  To achieve the agriculture objectives, it shall be the policy of this State to:

     (1)  Establish a clear direction for Hawaii's agriculture through stakeholder commitment and advocacy.

     (2)  Encourage agriculture by making the best use of natural resources.

     (3)  Provide the governor and the legislature with information and options needed for prudent decision-making for the development of agriculture.

     (4)  Establish strong relationships between the agricultural and [visitor] tourism industries for mutual marketing benefits.

     (5)  [Foster increased] Increase public awareness and understanding of the contributions and benefits of agriculture as a major sector of Hawaii's economy.

     (6)  Seek the enactment and retention of federal and state legislation that benefits Hawaii's agricultural industries.

     (7)  Strengthen diversified agriculture by developing an effective promotion, marketing, and distribution system between Hawaii's food producers and consumers in the State, nation, and world.

     (8)  Support research and development activities that strengthen economic productivity in agriculture, stimulate greater efficiency, and enhance the development of new products and agricultural by-products.

     (9)  Enhance agricultural growth by providing public incentives and encouraging private initiatives.

    (10)  Assure the availability of agriculturally suitable lands with adequate water to accommodate present and future needs.

    (11)  Increase the attractiveness and opportunities for an agricultural education and livelihood.

    (12)  In addition to the State's priority on food, expand Hawaii's agricultural base by promoting growth and development of flowers, tropical fruits and plants, livestock, feed grains, forestry, food crops, aquaculture, and other potential enterprises.

    (13)  Promote economically competitive activities that increase Hawaii's agricultural self-sufficiency, including the increased purchase and use of Hawaii-grown food and food products by residents, businesses, and governmental bodies as defined under section 103D‑104.

    (14)  Promote and assist in the establishment of sound financial programs for diversified agriculture.

    (15)  Institute and support programs and activities to assist the entry of displaced agricultural workers into alternative agricultural or other employment.

    (16)  Facilitate the transition of agricultural lands in economically nonfeasible agricultural production to economically viable agricultural uses.

    (17)  Perpetuate, promote, and increase use of traditional Hawaiian farming systems, such as the use of loko i‘a, māla, and irrigated lo‘i, and growth of traditional Hawaiian crops, such as kalo, ‘uala, and ‘ulu.

    (18)  Increase and develop small-scale farms."

     SECTION 3.  The department of agriculture may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Agriculture Priorities

 

Description:

Replaces sugar and pineapple industries as the agriculture priority in the Hawaii State Planning Act with agriculture farming methods that improve Hawaii's food, soil, and water quality.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.