HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

531

TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO HERITAGE BREED ANIMALS.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  For centuries, people throughout the world have bred and raised thousands of different animal breeds.  Although there is no agreed-upon definition of heritage breed animals, heritage breed animals are generally considered to be animals that are bred over time to be best adapted to local conditions.  Many heritage breed animals are found in geographically isolated areas such as the Hawaiian islands.

     In the 1700's, explorers brought sheep and goats to Hawaii.  Since their arrival, these animals adapted to Hawaii's unique climate, became an integral part of Hawaiian culture as a sustainable food resource, contributed to Hawaii's early economy, and continue to be a valuable food resource.

     The legislature finds that Hawaii is home to unique breeds of heritage breed animals.   For example, Mauna Kea sheep are believed to be the original uncontaminated feral sheep because of isolation.  Their unique form, developed over the past one hundred fifty years, makes this species worthy of genetic and serologic evaluation, in captivity or in the wild.

     The legislature further finds that Hawaii's heritage breed animal population may potentially play a vital role in preservation of genetic diversity within the world's livestock species.  Hawaii's wild sheep and goat population play a role in today's land management and fire control practices.  These animals also provide locally-harvested sources of protein that contribute to Hawaii's sustainability.  Accordingly, the legislature believes that Hawaii should prioritize preserving the existing genotypes of its sheep and goats to ensure their conservation as relics of Hawaii's past and as a valuable and unique resource that Hawaii is fortunate to have today.  The legislature further finds that efforts should be made to conserve Hawaii's unique heritage breed livestock by identifying and studying them and, if possible, acquiring examples of heritage breed species to breed and raise in captivity.

     The purpose of this Act is to direct the University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources to conduct a study and inventory of heritage breed animals in Hawaii.

SECTION 2.  (a)  The University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources is directed to conduct a study and inventory of heritage breed animals, specifically those breeds that existed in Hawaii prior to 1778.  At minimum, the study shall include the following:

     (1)  A definition of the term "heritage breed animal" as it applies in Hawaii and the identification of any such species in Hawaii;

     (2)  Identification of any causes or factors that may have or are currently contributing to the decline or extinction of heritage breed animals;

     (3)  A survey of farmers that are raising heritage breed animals;

     (4)  An assessment of existing and potential future demand in the State for products derived from heritage breed animals;

     (5)  An evaluation of the impact of hunting on populations of heritage breed animals; and

     (6)  An analysis of possible benefits of breeding heritage breed animals in captivity.

     (b)  In carrying out the duties prescribed in subsection (a), the University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources may consult with the following:

     (1)  The state archives;

     (2)  Conservation organizations;

     (3)  State historians;

     (4)  The United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service; and

     (5)  Any other person or entity it deems appropriate.

     (c)  The University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources shall submit 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 2017.

     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 2015-2016 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for the study and inventory of heritage breed animals.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2015.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 


 


 

Report Title:

Heritage Breed Animals; Study; University of Hawaii; Appropriation

 

Description:

Directs the University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources to conduct a study and inventory of heritage breed animals that existed in the State prior to 1778.  Appropriates moneys.

 

 

 

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