Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR86

Introduced
3/11/22  
Refer
3/14/22  
Report Pass
3/31/22  

Caption

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

Impact

This resolution is especially relevant considering prior measures taken to address agricultural pests and diseases through subsidy programs. Specifically, existing laws allow for subsidies to aid farmers in acquiring pesticides, but not fertilizers that promote the health of coffee trees. The failure to recognize the significance of fertilizer impacts farmers' financial capabilities and ultimately the health of the coffee industry. Therefore, if this resolution leads to the implementation of such financial assistance for organic fertilizers, it has the potential to significantly enhance coffee cultivation practices within the state and foster a more sustainable agriculture system.

Summary

House Resolution 86 urges the Department of Agriculture of Hawaii to assist coffee farmers in purchasing organic fertilizer to combat the spread of coffee leaf rust, a destructive plant pathogen. Coffee production is a crucial economic sector in Hawaii, and the introduction of coffee leaf rust to the islands poses significant threats to the viability of the coffee industry. The resolution emphasizes the importance of sustaining tree health for coffee plants to minimize their reliance on chemical interventions like pesticides and fungicides. By strengthening coffee trees' natural immunity through proper fertilization, farmers can effectively fight the disease and maintain healthy crops.

Contention

Areas of contention surrounding this resolution may arise from policymakers debating the allocation of state resources for assisting coffee farmers with organic fertilizers as opposed to other agricultural needs. The resolution's supporters are likely to argue that prioritizing coffee farmers will safeguard jobs and preserve an economically important crop facing existential threats. However, critics may raise concerns regarding the sustainability of tax funding for such subsidies, suggesting that there may be competing agricultural sectors or agricultural issues that warrant equal consideration. Balancing these interests will be essential in any deliberative process concerning this initiative.

Companion Bills

HI HCR92

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

Previously Filed As

HI SB2060

Relating To Agriculture.

HI SB742

Relating To Agriculture.

HI HB2758

Relating To Agriculture.

HI SCR53

Requesting That The Department Of Agriculture Convene An Advisory Commission To Address Certain Issues To Guide Action And Progress In The Agriculture, Aquaculture, And Food Systems Industries Of The State.

HI SR41

Requesting That The Department Of Agriculture Convene An Advisory Commission To Address Certain Issues To Guide Action And Progress In The Agriculture, Aquaculture, And Food Systems Industries Of The State.

HI SB3237

Relating To Agriculture.

HI SCR192

Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Plant Pest Control Branch And Plant Quarantine Branch Within The Plant Industry Division Of The Department Of Agriculture.

HI SR164

Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Performance Audit Of The Plant Pest Control Branch And Plant Quarantine Branch Within The Plant Industry Division Of The Department Of Agriculture.

HI SCR191

Urging The Department Of Agriculture To Adopt Proposed Amendments To Chapter 4-72, Hawaii Administrative Rules, That Provide Important Authorities For The Department To Prevent The Spread Of Insects, Diseases, And Other Invasive Pests Within The State.

HI SCR164

Urging The Department Of Agriculture To Establish A Two-year Agricultural Crime Pilot Project To Examine And Assess The Effectiveness Of Prosecuting Agricultural Crime Cases, Including Those Of Agricultural Theft, Vandalism, And Trespass, In The State.

Similar Bills

OR HB4062

Relating to licensing of persons using pesticides; and prescribing an effective date.

NJ S4154

Establishes farm pesticide collection and disposal program.

NJ A5357

Establishes farm pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer collection and disposal program.

NJ S1576

Establishes farm pesticide collection and disposal program.

CA AB2491

School facilities: organic pesticides: pilot program.

NJ A1091

Restricts use of neonicotinoid pesticides.

HI SB12

Relating To Neonicotinoids.

CA AB2816

Pesticides: schoolsites: report.