THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2890
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to agriculture.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that in 2009, severe cuts in the department of agriculture budget created a panic in the State's coffee industry.  With the funding for the department of agriculture reduced significantly, many agricultural commodities marketing specialists (ACMS) positions were eliminated.  Without department of agriculture ACMS, compliance with laws requiring certification becomes impossible.

     The purpose of this Act is to assist farmers in underserved, remote areas in attaining certification for their products.

     SECTION 2.  Section 147-24, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§147-24  Inspection.  The board of agriculture may designate any employee or agent of the department to inspect or classify fresh and processed agricultural commodities[.]; provided that in underserved, remote areas, the board of agriculture shall designate private agents who are authorized to inspect or classify agricultural commodities.  The board shall adopt rules in accordance with chapter 91 to implement the designation, certification, and administration of private agricultural commodities inspection or classification agents."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

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

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Agricultural Commodities; Inspectors

Description:

Requires the department of agriculture to designate agents to inspect agricultural commodities in underserved, remote areas.

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