SB 2097 creates the Climate-Resilient Food Systems Grant Program within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, providing state funding to support sustainable food system initiatives. The program directly affects agricultural producers, food distributors, and community organizations working on climate-resilient farming and food access projects. Key provisions include the department administering the grants and allocating appropriated funds for projects that enhance sustainability and resilience in local food systems. This bill establishes a concrete funding mechanism to advance sustainable food infrastructure without specifying particular projects or outcomes.
Directs the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to conduct a study on insurance coverage for small agricultural producers. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Increases designated income check-off amounts for the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund to $6 for taxpayers filing individual returns with $6 or more of state income tax liability and for spouses filing joint returns with $12 or more of state income tax liability.
Reestablishes the Agricultural Development and Food Security Special Fund. Establishes the Carbon Emissions Tax and Dividend Special Fund. Gradually increases the Environmental Response, Energy, Carbon Emissions, and Food Security tax rates and establishes a refundable carbon cashback tax credit to offset increases for most taxpayers. Requires reports to the Legislature. Appropriates funds.
SB 2318 establishes a formal Agricultural Statistics Program within state law and allocates funding for its operation. The bill directly affects agricultural stakeholders, including farmers, agribusinesses, and state agricultural agencies, by creating a dedicated system for collecting and analyzing farm data. Key provisions include codifying the program's structure in statute and providing dedicated funding to support data collection efforts. This bill does not change existing agricultural regulations but creates a new administrative framework for gathering sector-specific statistics.
Authorizes the Agricultural Loan Division of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to sell portions of its loan portfolio to permitted third parties, with proceeds to be deposited into the Agricultural Loan Revolving Fund. Appropriates funds out of the Agricultural Loan Revolving Fund to increase its expenditure ceiling and thereby expand access to agricultural loan financing and support local food production. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Adjusts the salaries of the Campaign Spending Commission's Executive Director and Associate Director to align with similar government officials who have compliance and enforcement responsibilities. Appropriates funds. (SD1)
Establishes the Farming Grant Program to be administered by the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to provide grants to small and midsized farmers. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Appropriates funds to the Department of Education to support public schools impacted by a local investor‑owned electric utility's planned public safety power shutoff program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Requires the Department of Health, in consultation with various agencies and professionals, to review rules and practices and propose changes that have the potential to make wastewater systems and cesspool upgrades more affordable without compromising water quality. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)
