HB900

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii must diversify its economic base beyond a reliance on tourism. A revived agricultural industry would not only contribute to economic diversity, but also improve the food security of our isolated islands and preserve the green space and lifestyle that Hawaii's citizens and visitors value.

Currently, Hawaii's agriculture and value-added product industry contributes $2,400,000,000 to the state's economy and employs more than thirty-eight thousand people. During the past twenty years, the value of diversified agriculture in Hawaii has more than doubled.

The agriculture industry should continue to explore new opportunities as prime agricultural land becomes available. At present, about one hundred thousand acres of former sugar cane and pineapple land--prime agricultural land--lie fallow.

To take advantage of these opportunities, and to address the above-mentioned issues, more safe, high-quality, market-driven food products should be developed. Potential food products can:

(1) Be produced by Hawaii’s food and agricultural producers and processors to provide safe and nutritious foods through established good agricultural practices; and

(2) Provide entrepreneurs with desired value-added processed foods that use Hawaii-grown produce.

Hence, there is a need for a local facility that can provide assistance for sensory evaluations of foods as well as appropriate packaging and marketing advice.

The legislature finds that the University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources is already engaged in several areas of research and outreach that have made significant contributions to the resurgence of agriculture in Hawaii. Among the college's contributions to the state's agricultural industry are:

(1) Identification and development of high-value food, plant, and fiber products to help Hawaii stay competitive in a global market; and

(2) An agribusiness incubator that helps jumpstart and expand agribusinesses.

Thus, the legislature believes it would be appropriate for the college, with its expertise, to develop a long-range plan for a food innovation and security center.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the development of a long-range plan for a food innovation and security center to aid the development and promotion of new, safe, high-quality, and high-value agricultural products.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $300,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2007-2008 for the University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources to develop a long-range plan for a food innovation and security center to aid the development and promotion of new, safe, high-quality, and high-value agricultural products.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2007.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	900
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII