THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	354
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017
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 local agricultural producers are critical to sustaining Hawaii's quality of life and local economy by providing fresh and healthy foods and products that benefit the people of Hawaii.  The State often assists agricultural producers through legislation and restricts abuse of government programs by limiting assistance to bona fide agricultural producers; however, the Hawaii Revised Statutes does not define "bona fide agricultural producer."   Creating a definition for the term "bona fide agricultural producer" is important to ensure the effectiveness of current and future government policies and programs.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a temporary task force under the department of agriculture to formulate a definition of the term "bona fide agricultural producer."

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established within the department of agriculture a temporary task force for the purpose of creating a single definition of "bona fide agricultural producer" to be used across state government or creating different definitions of the term to be applied for different uses.

     (b)  Members of the task force shall include five representatives of farmers and ranchers, with at least one from each county, to be selected by the chairperson of the board of agriculture, and one designee of each of the following:

     (1)  President of the senate;

     (2)  Speaker of the house of representatives;

     (3)  Chair of the house committee on agriculture;

     (4)  Chair of the senate committee on agriculture and environment;

     (5)  Chairperson of the board of agriculture, who shall serve as chair of the task force;

     (6)  Chairperson of the board of land and natural resources;

     (7)  Chairperson of the Hawaiian homes commission; and

     (8)  Director of taxation.

(c)  The task force shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2018.

     (d)  The task force shall cease to exist six months after the filing of its report pursuant to subsection (c).

     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 2017-2018 for the task force created pursuant to section 1 of this Act to create a single definition of "bona fide agricultural producer" to be used across state government or different definitions to be applied for different uses.

     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, 2017.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Agriculture; Temporary Task Force; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes a temporary task force for the purpose of creating a single definition of "bona fide agricultural producer" to be used across state government or creating different definitions to be applied for different uses.  Requires a report to the legislature.  Makes an appropriation.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.