Report Title:

Agriculture; research and development; appropriations

Description:

Appropriates funds for agricultural research and development.(HB2017 HD1)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2017

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

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 agriculture is one of the State's growth industries and a vital component of the State's economic base. It provides an economically viable use of the land while also preserving the open space cherished by residents and desired by visitors. The legislature also finds that Hawaii's agricultural industry has become increasingly diverse with new economic opportunities as prime agricultural land becomes available and quarantine restrictions are overcome. All sectors of agriculture, including sugar, pineapple, macadamia, coffee, papaya, flowers, and exotic tropical fruits, are working together to accelerate the expansion of the agricultural industry. To maximize the opportunities for expanding the agricultural industry and to take the best advantage of the thousands of acres of prime farmland, production-driven research is of paramount importance.

The legislature finds that the commitment of the private sector is critical to the success of any industry and that the Hawaii Agricultural Research Center (HARC) exemplifies such commitment. HARC serves as a model of private-public partnerships for agricultural research by partnering effectively with public institutions, such as the University of Hawaii's college of tropical agriculture and human resources.

The legislature finds that agricultural research at HARC will continue to be a key resource in the State's efforts to strengthen and improve the agricultural industry, revitalize the economy, and expand employment opportunities for residents, particularly in rural areas.

The purpose of this Act is to provide the necessary funds to promote the cost sharing of agricultural research between the public and private sector and to assist in maintaining current minimum levels of agricultural research and development at HARC.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003 for agricultural research and development to be performed by HARC.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2002.