Report Title:

Agriculture; Taro

Description:

Requires the chairperson of the board of agriculture to report on the status of agricultural opportunities in the State to expand taro farming.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	3424
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO TARO.

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

     SECTION 1.  The chairperson of the board of agriculture shall:

     (1)  Identify specific parcels of property throughout the State that are, or can be made, suitable for taro farming in terms of:

          (A)  Adequate acreage;

          (B)  Access to an adequate water supply; and

          (C)  The willingness of landowners to lease or rent land at a rate that would make taro farming viable;

     (2)  Identify individuals interested in becoming taro farmers to determine the:

          (A)  Capability of these individuals to become successful taro farmers; and

          (B)  Education and training necessary for these individuals to become successful farmers and the availability of necessary education and training opportunities; and

     (3)  Determine the availability of capital in agriculture loan programs and other sources to meet the needs of this Act with respect to land parcels and interested individuals.

     SECTION 2.  The department of business, economic development, and tourism, and the college of tropical agriculture and human resources of the University of Hawaii shall assist the chairperson of the board of agriculture in complying with the requirements of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  The chairperson of the board of agriculture shall report the chairperson's findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2009.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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