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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
3304 |
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THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
(b) The farm succession pilot program shall:
(1) Encourage matchmaking between incoming and outgoing farmers to ensure succession of agricultural lands and productive resources;
(2) Encourage matchmaking between recently trained farmers and available jobs in agriculture and food systems;
(3) Provide technical assistance and coordination to assist prospective farmers with access to land, financing, and counseling, and with developing business planning, business management, and grant writing skills;
(4) Offer and fund programs that provide education and training to beginning farmers and ranchers and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, including agricultural rehabilitation and vocational training programs;
(5) Advance land partnerships, including farm incubator programs and educational programs on commercial farms that teach agricultural and business skills; and
(6) Encourage and advance native Hawaiian participation in farming and ranching through partnerships with the office of Hawaiian affairs.
(c) Leeward community college may consult with any public or private entity, including the Hawaii Good Food Alliance, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union United, university of Hawaii's GoFarm Hawaii program, and office of Hawaiian affairs, and representatives therefrom, to carry out its duties under contract with the pilot program established pursuant to this Act.
(d)
Leeward community college, in collaboration with the university of
Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources, 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 2030.
SECTION 2. In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $ or per cent. This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:
(1) The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and
(2) The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.
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 2024-2025 for the implementation of the farm succession pilot program established under section 1 of this Act, which shall include an allocation of $ for the establishment of four full-time equivalent (4.0 FTE) staff positions for the farm succession pilot program.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by Leeward community college for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. 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 2024-2025 for the extension of the farmer apprentice mentoring program established by Act 304, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of Act 304, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
DOA; Leeward Community College; University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agricultural and Human Resources; Farm Succession Pilot Program; Farmer Apprentice Mentoring Program; Report; Expenditure Ceiling; Appropriations
Description:
Establishes the Farm Succession Pilot Program under the Leeward Community College. Appropriates funds for the pilot program and for the Department of Agriculture's Farmer Apprentice Mentoring Program. Requires a report to the Legislature. Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.