Hawaii House Bill HCR169

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/31/23
• Refer: 3/31/23

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Agriculture, In Consultation With The Agribusiness Development Corporation, To Examine Existing Laws Related To The Sugar And Pineapple Industries And Determine Whether Updates Should Be Made For The Utilization Of Diversified Crops.

Impact

Should HCR169 be enacted, it would signal a legislative push towards revitalizing Hawaii's agriculture by encouraging the utilization of existing agricultural land and resources for diverse crop production. The resolution emphasizes the need to leverage currently underutilized agricultural infrastructure and management resources in Hawaii, ultimately aimed at enhancing the local economy, creating job opportunities, and promoting food security through increased local production. Furthermore, the bill recognizes the historical context of Hawaii’s agricultural economy, encouraging a strategic shift away from monoculture practices to more sustainable and varied crop cultivation.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution No. 169 (HCR169) seeks to prompt significant changes in Hawaii's agricultural landscape. The bill calls on the Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Agribusiness Development Corporation, to examine existing laws that pertain to the now-diminishing sugar and pineapple industries. The objective is to assess these laws in the context of transitioning towards a more diversified agricultural sector, which could bolster local agricultural practices and reduce dependency on imported food products. This exploration is particularly timely given the decline of the traditional sugar industry, presenting unique opportunities for innovation in local agriculture.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR169 appears to reflect a cautious optimism. Many advocates view the resolution as a crucial step towards revitalizing Hawaii's agricultural framework and fostering economic diversification. Supporters argue that embracing diversified agricultural practices will not only economically benefit local farmers but also align with food sovereignty principles by decreasing reliance on imported goods. However, there may also be underlying concerns about the practicalities of transitioning agricultural practices and ensuring adequate support for farmers eager to diversify their crops. The collaborative nature of this resolution indicates a recognition of the challenges faced in making this transition effectively.

Contention

While HCR169 enjoys overall support for its aims, potential points of contention may arise around how updates to existing agricultural laws are defined and implemented. Some stakeholders could be apprehensive about the pace of change and the adequacy of resources available for both new and existing farmers as they adjust to a diversified agricultural model. The resolution also requires a report with findings and recommendations be submitted to the legislature, which may raise questions regarding the thoroughness and transparency of its analysis as stakeholders anticipate how these outcomes will influence their agricultural activities moving forward. Overall, the bill represents a significant moment in Hawaii's agriculture discourse, reflecting the state's willingness to adapt and re-envision its agricultural future.