Report Title:

Shellfish Aquaculture

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to conduct a feasibility and cost study to determine the statutory and rule changes, staffing requirements, laboratory support requirements, research requirements, and training and technical assistance needs to develop a shellfish aquaculture industry in Hawaii. (HB1615 HD1)

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1615

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

relating to the development of a shellfish aquaculture industry.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that as the state has transitioned away from plantation agriculture, diversified agriculture has become an essential component of our overall agriculture industry.  Aquaculture, which reached $28,400,000 in wholesale product value in 2005, represents one of the fastest growing sectors of diversified agriculture in the state, with a future brimming with potential.  Our state has an opportunity to expand its burgeoning aquacultural industry by encouraging the culturing of shellfish, including clams and oysters, on land and in certain areas of the ocean. 

     However, federal regulations require certain procedures and testing before selling cultured oysters and clams locally and for export.  In addition, the state department of health allows the import of live shellfish for food, but not culturing of shellfish for local consumption and export.  This is a missed opportunity for local shellfish growers, who are growing clams and oysters for seed export sales, but are not permitted to grow clams and oysters for food. 

     The purpose of this Act is to promote the development of a viable, local, shellfish aquaculture industry by providing funds to conduct a feasibility and cost study to determine the statutory and administrative rule changes, staffing requirements, laboratory support requirements, research requirements, and training and technical assistance needs, to develop a shellfish aquaculture industry in Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  The University of Hawaii shall conduct a feasibility and cost study to determine the statutory and administrative rule changes, staffing requirements, laboratory support requirements, research requirements, and training and technical assistance needs, to develop a shellfish aquaculture industry in Hawaii.

     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 2007-2008 to conduct a feasibility and cost study to determine the statutory and administrative rule changes, staffing requirements, laboratory support requirements, research requirements, and training and technical assistance needs, to develop a shellfish aquaculture industry in Hawaii.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.