Bill Text: HI SB2138 | 2016 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Appropriation; Agriculture; Nutrient Cycling Center Pilot Project ($)
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-02-05 - Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to WAM. [SB2138 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2016-SB2138-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2138 |
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TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to NUTRIENT CYCLING.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that nutrient cycling fosters agricultural production by building soil health and fertility. Without nutrient cycling, nutrients flow from farmland into aquifers and shorelines, which depletes nutrients in the soil and forces farmers to use commercial fertilizers, which require fossil fuels to produce, decrease soil health and species diversity, increase pesticide use, and reduce the nutrient density of food. Nutrient cycling puts end products back into the land-based food chain instead of generating waste or causing pollution as with food waste.
The legislature further finds that nutrient cycling benefits local agriculture by lowering production costs, increasing yields, and leaving the soil in revitalized condition. Nutrient cycling also reduces waste streams. Research conducted at nutrient cycling centers focuses on a whole system of agriculture, identifying the optimum overall solution instead of one that just produces the highest crop yield.
The legislature further finds that a regional nutrient cycling center in Hawaii, particularly on Maui island, would promote environmental, economic, and social benefits for the State along with food and energy security for Hawaii residents. Food waste on Maui is buried in landfills, creating voluminous methane gas that is emitted into the atmosphere. A feasible alternative is to process food waste and other organic waste through a nutrient cycling center. The end result is that the waste goes back into the farming system as a whole, which spares landfills. Waste is processed into low-cost fertilizer to supply farmers who can use the fertilizer for crops which fosters food security, decreases climate change, and improves air quality. Furthermore, regional nutrient cycling minimizes the interisland transfer of waste streams, reducing the likelihood of transporting invasive species.
The purpose of this Act is to make an appropriation for a nutrient cycling center pilot project on Maui and require reporting on the efficacy of the pilot project.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for the establishment of a nutrient cycling center pilot project on Maui, including costs for program operations, equipment, regulatory compliance, land development and leasing, administration, personnel, and contaminant testing.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. The department of agriculture shall report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2018 on the operational and economic efficacy of the nutrient cycling center pilot project on Maui, as established by section 2 of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2016.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Appropriation; Agriculture; Nutrient Cycling Center Pilot Project
Description:
Makes an appropriation for a nutrient cycling center pilot project on Maui. Requires DOA to report on the efficacy of the pilot project.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
