Hawaii House Bill HCR92

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/14/22
• Report Pass: 3/31/22
• Engrossed: 3/31/22
• Refer: 4/1/22
• Report Pass: 5/3/22
• Passed: 5/5/22

Caption

Urging The Department Of Agriculture To Assist Coffee Farmers In Purchasing Organic Fertilizer To Prevent Coffee Leaf Rust.

Impact

One of the resolution's pivotal points lies in its call for the Department of Agriculture to extend financial and logistical assistance to coffee farmers, particularly in purchasing organic fertilizers. Current programs, such as the pesticide subsidy established by prior legislative acts, do not adequately address the need for fertilizers, which are essential for coffee tree health. By advocating for this assistance, HCR92 highlights a gap in existing agricultural support and pushes for changes that could help bolster the resilience of the coffee industry against the impacts of diseases.

Summary

HCR92 is a House Concurrent Resolution that urges the Department of Agriculture to assist coffee farmers in purchasing organic fertilizer to combat coffee leaf rust. Coffee is a significant agricultural product in Hawaii, and its viability is threatened by this disease, which was first detected in the state in 2020. The resolution emphasizes the importance of organic fertilizers in maintaining the trees' health, which in turn reduces reliance on chemical pesticides. As the spread of coffee leaf rust can severely affect coffee yields, supporting farmers in maintaining healthy trees is deemed crucial for the industry.

Contention

While the resolution was passed unanimously by the Senate Agriculture and Environment committee, discussions around its implementation may highlight contention regarding the allocation of state agricultural resources. The reliance on organic methods, albeit beneficial for health and sustainability, might raise questions among stakeholders about the costs and availability of such fertilizers. Moreover, the resolution invites further scrutiny on the effectiveness of current pest management programs and the need for comprehensive strategies to support food security and agricultural sustainability in Hawaii.