HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.C.R. NO.

88

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE FEASIBILITY OF RESTRUCTURING HAWAIIAN COMMERCIAL AND SUGAR COMPANY ON MAUI TO operate AN INDUSTRIAL HEMP PLANTATION.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, according to legislation enacted in Vermont, industrial hemp farmers in Canada have reported a return rate equal to $800 per acre of farmed land; and

 

     WHEREAS, as a food crop, industrial hemp seeds and oil have high nutritional value, including healthy fats and protein; and

 

     WHEREAS, as a fiber crop, industrial hemp can be used in the manufacture of clothing, building supplies, animal bedding, and other products; and

 

     WHEREAS, as a fuel crop, industrial hemp seeds can be processed into biodiesel energy and the stalks can be pelletized or flaked for burning or processed for cellulosic ethanol; and

 

     WHEREAS, industrial hemp is a suitable crop for Hawaii that will contribute to the economic growth of the State and the future viability of the State's agricultural industry; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2009, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Agriculture is requested to conduct a study on the feasibility of restructuring the Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company on Maui to operate an industrial hemp plantation; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Agriculture is requested to report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation to the Legislature, not later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of the 2010; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in conducting the study, the Department of Agriculture is requested to use the state of Vermont's industrial hemp laws as a guide to determine the feasibility of operating an industrial hemp plantation on Maui; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, the Plantation General Manager of the Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company, and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

Report Title: 

Industrial Hemp; Agriculture; Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company