Report Title:
Agricultural Biotechnology
Description:
Appropriates funds to expand agricultural biotechnology research and create programs to educate the public about agricultural biotechnology.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1284 |
|
TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2001 |
||
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
||
|
|
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that biotechnology will be the predominant science of the 21st century. The legislature further finds that biotechnology has the potential to bring in $7,300,000,000 to Hawaii by the year 2020.
One of the most significant areas that biotechnology will be applied to will be in agriculture. In a bio-based economy, plants will replace petroleum for many industrial applications. At the heart of this economy are scientific efforts in genomics, biotechnology, bioengineering, and innovative bioprocesses. Because of Hawaii's year-round growing conditions and marine location, the development of agricultural biotechnology is well-suited for this State.
The legislature further finds that the college of tropical agriculture and human resources (CTAHR) of the University of Hawaii is able to facilitate the development of agricultural biotechnology in Hawaii through the creation of a tropical agriculture biotechnology center that would focus on research efforts on the application of biotechnology to agriculture and the environment. Agricultural biotechnology will develop:
(1) New plant varieties that:
(A) Resist bacterial and viral diseases;
(B) Tolerate pesticides; and
(C) Produce high-value chemicals, fragrances, vaccines, or specific nutrients;
(2) Flowers with engineered colors;
(3) Plants resistant to environmental stress;
(4) Fruits that ripen on demand; and
(5) Technologies that bioremediate environmental problems.
To address any concerns by citizens about the safety of agricultural biotechnology, CTAHR can conduct risk assessment research. In addition, CTAHR can also engage in a widespread, organized public education effort.
The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the University of Hawaii that will enable CTAHR to establish a tropical agriculture biotechnology innovation center and to develop an agricultural biotechnology education program.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $400,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002 and the sum of $400,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003 to expand agricultural biotechnology research and to create programs to educate the public about agricultural biotechnology; provided that the sums appropriated shall be added to the University of Hawaii's base budget request.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001.
|
INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |