Hawaii Senate Bill SCR184

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

Urging The Department Of Agriculture's Agricultural Development Division To Conduct And Publish A Study On Protein Consumption In The State.

Impact

If enacted, the study requested by SCR184 aims to fill these informational gaps by providing crucial data on the consumption levels of various protein sources, including livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and wild-caught seafood, specifically tailored to the islands of Hawaii. This disaggregation is expected to enhance the decision-making abilities of policymakers, food banks, and businesses throughout the state. Informing such stakeholders is vital for effective budgeting, investment strategies, and infrastructural planning, ultimately reinforcing the state’s agricultural framework.

Summary

SCR184, a Senate Concurrent Resolution in the State of Hawaii, urges the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Development Division to conduct a comprehensive study on protein consumption within the state. The impetus for this resolution is a recognized gap in the agricultural production data currently published by the United States Department of Agriculture. The existing data lacks detailed information on consumption, particularly not disaggregated by island, which can significantly hinder effective policymaking and resource allocation related to agricultural practices and local food supplies.

Contention

While SCR184 is largely presented as a constructive effort to improve food security and agricultural data accuracy in Hawaii, it is not without its points of contention. Questions may arise around the feasibility and funding of the proposed study, as well as the potential timeline for its completion. Legislative discussions are likely to touch upon the implications of collecting and disseminating such data, especially concerning privacy and the involvement of local agricultural stakeholders in the data-gathering process.