HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2181

THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020

 

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, as the demand for unskilled labor increases, farmers and ranchers are searching for ways to use technology to better operate their farms.  These farmers and ranchers could greatly benefit from foreign technology like small equipment tractors from Japan.  However, they are unable to import that equipment because it does not comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's emission standards.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of agriculture for a pilot program to identify and purchase foreign agricultural technology, including small equipment tractors and retrofit engines, that will benefit the State's farmers and ranchers and that complies with the Environmental Protection Agency's emission standards.

     SECTION 2.  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 2020-2021 to establish the foreign agriculture small equipment pilot program.

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

     SECTION 3.  The chairperson of the board of agriculture shall submit a report to the legislature of the pilot program's progress and any findings, recommendations, or proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2021.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

HDOA; Small Agricultural Equipment; Pilot Program; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture to establish a foreign agriculture small equipment pilot program.  Requires a report to the Legislature.

 

 

 

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