Hawaii Senate Bill SR168

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

The request for this study aims to enhance understanding of local protein consumption patterns, including quantities of livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and seafood consumed, focusing specifically on the variations across different islands in Hawaii. By obtaining this detailed information, the resolution seeks to improve the policy-making processes, budget allocations, and investment planning related to food production and security. It is expected that the findings will not only benefit policymakers but also contribute to the broader agricultural community and local food banks.

Summary

Senate Resolution 168 (SR168) urges the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Development Division to conduct and publish a comprehensive study on protein consumption within the State of Hawaii. The resolution highlights the need for actionable agricultural data that is essential for informing policymakers, businesses, and food banks about protein consumption trends in the state. Currently, available data from the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service is deemed incomplete and does not provide insights disaggregated by island, which limits its usefulness for local agriculture stakeholders.

Contention

While the resolution itself does not appear to provoke significant contention, it indicates a recognition of the gaps in current agricultural data. By emphasizing the importance of localized data, SR168 indirectly raises points regarding the adequacy of existing federal data sources and the necessity for state-level initiatives that can better address unique community needs. Stakeholders may debate the priority of funding and resources allocated for such studies against other pressing agricultural and economic concerns facing the state.

Next_steps

The Department of Agriculture is requested to submit the findings of the study to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the Regular Session of 2025. This timeline positions the proposed study as a critical tool for impending legislative sessions, potentially influencing future agricultural policies and resource allocations.