Report Title:
Agribusiness Incubator Program; Taro Farmers
Description:
Directs the college of tropical agriculture and human resources of the University of Hawaii, in consultation with the department of health, to establish a program for commercial taro farmers to maximize business viability and success. Makes appropriation.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2452 |
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TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to agriculture.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The agribusiness incubator program of the college of tropical agriculture and human resources at the University of Hawaii, in consultation with the department of health, is directed to establish and implement a program to assist and educate commercial taro farmers in establishing new markets, including the commercial production of poi and other taro-related food products for sale to consumers, to maximize the business viability and success of their taro crops. The program shall be available to existing commercial taro farmers and individuals or groups of individuals seeking to start a commercial taro farm or commercial production of poi or other taro related food products. The program shall provide business and financial management assistance, marketing information, and resources on technical farming issues.
As part of the program, the department of health shall provide information and instruction on necessary permits and applicable rules relating to commercial taro production, with an emphasis on the commercial food production of poi and other taro related food products for sale to consumers.
The college of tropical agriculture and human resources shall develop an informational brochure describing the program, which shall be distributed by United States Postal Service and other methods, such as by related organizations, at conferences, or meetings, to commercial taro farmers statewide. Information relating to the program, including the informational brochure, shall also be available on the website of the college of tropical agriculture and human resources.
The program shall be operational no later than January 1, 2009.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for establishment and implementation of a program to maximize the business viability and success of commercial taro farmers.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the college of tropical agriculture and human resources of the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for the establishment and implementation of a program to maximize the business viability and success of commercial taro farmers.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of health for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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