Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture to support the Hawaii Ant Lab in mitigating the effects of little fire ants in the State. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Clarifies certain benchmark goals and timeline for the Department of Education to provide locally-sourced agricultural and food products. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Beginning 1/1/2028, prohibits the manufacture, sale, offer for sale, distribution for sale, and distribution for use of any food packaging, food service ware, cosmetic, or personal care product that contains intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, with certain exceptions. (SD1)
Adds the Chairperson of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, or the Chairperson's designee, to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation Board of Directors. Amends quorum requirements for the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation Board of Directors.
Requires the Department of Health to conduct a statewide needs assessment to determine what will be needed to reduce waste generation, increase reuse, improve recycling collection services, and expand local processing of materials through an extended producer responsibility program for packaging materials and paper products. Requires the Department of Health to complete and submit the needs assessment to the Legislature no later than 12/31/2028. Establishes an advisory council to review the draft needs assessment and propose recommendations throughout the assessment process. Appropriates funds. Effective 12/31/2050. (SD1)
Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds to the Agribusiness Development Corporation for the purchase of the Halaula Agricultural Parcel for agricultural development. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Maddy summarySB 1159 prohibits specific octopus aquaculture operations within the state. It directly affects businesses and entities engaged in farming octopus for commercial purposes. The bill's key provision is a direct ban on certain types of octopus aquaculture, preventing new facilities from operating under this method. This is a concrete policy change that restricts a specific subset of aquaculture activity without broader environmental or economic provisions.
Maddy summarySB 1260 creates a state tax credit for farmers who adopt agroecological and climate-smart farming practices, such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and integrated pest management. The credit applies to tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, directly benefiting agricultural producers who implement these sustainable methods. Key provisions allow eligible farmers to reduce their state tax liability based on verified adoption of specific eco-friendly practices. The bill passed a legislative committee with amendments and is now advancing toward potential enactment.
Establishes the Hawaii Agricultural Crimes Council. Expands the duties of the Department of Agriculture to collaborate with and support the Council. Requires all moneys, revenues, and fines received and processed by the Council to be deposited into the Agricultural Enforcement Special Fund. Allows moneys in the Agricultural Enforcement Special Fund to be expended to cover the costs of the Council. Establishes positions. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Establishes as a class B felony the unlicensed performance of contractor work, during or within 5 years following a national emergency, state of emergency, or disaster proclamation, in an affected political subdivision. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
