Report Title:

Study; Proposed Hawaii Macadamia Nut Commission

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to fund a study for Hawaii's macadamia nut industry, including the best structure for the establishment of a Hawaii Macadamia Nut Commission.  (HB237 HD1)

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

237

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

RELATING TO MACADAMIA NUTS.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The department of agriculture shall conduct a study of Hawaii's macadamia nut industry.  The study shall, among other things, analyze the structure of existing agriculture commissions that may serve as models for a commission that will assist in establishing the economic viability of Hawaii's macadamia nut industry. 

     The study shall include consideration and analysis of issues relating to the macadamia nut industry, including:

     (1)  The proposed composition of a Hawaii macadamia nut commission;

     (2)  The intended functions of a Hawaii macadamia nut commission;

     (3)  Identification of federal programs, if any, that provide assistance to marketing organizations or commodity commissions;

     (4)  Identification of other programs and resources available to assist in the expansion and support of Hawaii's macadamia nut industry;

     (5)  The components of the macadamia nut industry, including research, growing, harvesting, processing, and marketing;

     (6)  Requirements for country-of-origin labeling and truth-in-labeling;

     (7)  A nutritional analysis to be used by processors and marketers; and

     (8)  The development of a Hawaii industry approach, including the most effective means of developing and disseminating information, and the feasibility of establishing a mandatory assessment on macadamia nut processors and producers as a dedicated funding source to ensure the economic viability of the Hawaiian macadamia nut industry.

     SECTION 2.  The department of agriculture shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2010.

     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 2009-2010 to fund a study of issues pertinent to Hawaii's macadamia nut industry, including the appropriate structure and purpose of a Hawaii macadamia nut commission.

     The sum 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, 2009.