HB2453

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the taro plant is sacred to Hawaii's indigenous people and central to their beliefs about their origin. It is the official plant of Hawaii, as well as a symbol used in the crown of King Kalakaua, in the logo of the office of Hawaiian affairs, and in many commercial enterprises throughout the State. Its dietary and cultural significance is well‑known and widely accepted.

It is thought that over three hundred varieties of the taro plant existed at the time of the arrival of European explorers. Today, there are approximately seventy varieties of the taro plant, many of which are unique to the State. The existence of the taro plant is dependent upon dedicated farmers who appreciate and sustain the time‑honored tradition of growing and cultivating the taro plant for the benefit of all of Hawaii's residents.

However, taro farming has become increasingly difficult over the years due to a variety of obstacles that threaten its production, such as invasive species, disease, flooding and other adverse weather, lack of land or open patches, lack of infrastructure, soil loss, and increased regulation. For instance, farmers have struggled recently to try to combat the apple snail, a persistent pest that has affected taro crops across the islands. The disease known as taro pocket rot has also been a threat. Some farmers face a shortage of open patches, whereas others face a shortage of land for taro production.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to assist taro farmers to help preserve the cultural legacy of taro farming for future generations.

SECTION 2. (a) The department of agriculture shall develop and implement a taro farming grant program to assist taro farmers in need. The department shall:

(1) Determine what constitutes need; and

(2) Consider, in its determination of need, the acreage and yield of the taro production versus the income and resources of the applicant.

(b) The taro farming grant program shall provide subsidies for the following purposes:

(1) Fallow rotation to rest fields and help regenerate competitive soil microbes or help break disease cycles;

(2) Use of land or patches for research that is beneficial to taro farmers, such as sustainable and environmentally conscientious methods for controlling plant rot, pest infestation, or disease; provided that nothing in this paragraph shall authorize the use of funds for genetically modified taro research;

(3) Address infrastructure problems, such as fencing and underground piping; and

(4) Watershed level management, such as ditch rehabilitation.

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 taro farming grant program pursuant to section 2 of this Act.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2453
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII