Bill Text: HI SB1145 | 2011 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Department of Agriculture; Food Sustainability Standards; Appropriation
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2011-03-10 - (H) Referred to AGR, FIN, referral sheet 33 [SB1145 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2011-SB1145-Amended.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
1145 |
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TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011 |
S.D. 2 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii is dangerously dependent on imported food. As the most geographically isolated state in the country, Hawaii imports approximately eighty-five per cent of its food. Currently, Hawaii has a fresh supply of produce for no more than ten days. Ninety per cent of the beef, sixty-seven per cent of fresh vegetables, sixty-five per cent of fresh fruits, and seventy per cent of all milk consumed in the State is imported. The legislature acknowledges that Hawaii's reliance on out-of-state sources of food places residents directly at risk of food shortages in the event of natural disasters or worldwide economic events.
Each food product imported to Hawaii is a lost opportunity for local economic growth. Experts suggest that increasing the amount of locally grown food by as little as ten per cent could keep hundreds of millions of dollars circulating within Hawaii's economy and create thousands of new jobs. This economic diversification would make Hawaii more resilient to worldwide events and stimulate the local economy.
The legislature finds that increasing local food production would result in a decrease in the amount of transportation involved to feed each family and thus reduce Hawaii's carbon footprint. In addition, more local food ensures Hawaii would be more resilient to potential climate change impacts such as sea level changes, less rainfall, warmer temperatures, and severe storm events.
The legislature acknowledges that the increased availability of local food generally means fresher produce with greater vitamin content and higher nutritional value. In the long term, encouraging residents to eat locally produced food would result in a healthier lifestyle and better nutrition.
The legislature further finds that, despite the apparent benefits and need to diversify the economy and grow more local food, the State's prime agricultural lands are increasingly being consumed by development.
The legislature also finds that it is in the best interest of Hawaii's residents to set a specific goal for food self‑sufficiency by creating measurable standards over a period of time. By establishing this standard, Hawaii can ensure a long-term commitment of resources and investment into producing a significant portion of Hawaii's food.
SECTION 2. The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new chapter to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"Chapter
FOOD SUSTainability
§ -1 Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
"Department" means the department of agriculture.
"Food sustainability standard" means the percentage of food sold in the State for local consumption, whether measured by weight or caloric value, that is also grown in the State.
§ -2 Food sustainability standards. Of all of the food sold for consumption in the State, the following amounts shall be grown within the State:
(1) per cent of net food sales by December 31, 2020;
(2) per cent of net food sales by December 31, 2030; and
(3) per cent of net food sales by December 31, 2040.
§ -3 Department of agriculture responsibilities. (a) The department shall be responsible for measuring the amounts of food sold and grown in the State on an annual basis. This information shall be made publicly available in accordance with chapter 92F.
(b) The department shall certify whether the food sustainability standards set forth in this chapter have been achieved.
(c) The department shall be responsible for planning and adopting the necessary incentives to ensure that the food sustainability standards established under this chapter are met or exceeded.
(d) The department shall submit to the legislature an annual report, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session, on the status of the department's efforts to effectuate this chapter and any recommended policy changes needed.
(e) The department may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to effectuate this chapter."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2011-2012 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2012-2013 for the establishment of food sustainability standards and the related oversight, planning, and monitoring responsibilities.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
Department of Agriculture; Food Sustainability Standards; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the State to attain certain food sustainability standards by enumerated deadlines. Requires DOA to monitor the State's progress in achieving the food sustainability standards. Requires DOA to report to the legislature annually. Appropriates funds to DOA. Effective 07/01/2050. (SD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
