HB 2459: Food and Product Innovation Network; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Food Safety; Regulatory Integration; Performance Indicators; Market Access; Branding Initiatives; Reports; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE FOOD AND PRODUCT INNOVATION NETWORK.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Act 237, Session Laws of Hawaii 2025, established a statewide food and product innovation network within the agribusiness development corporation to advance value-added manufacturing, exports, and food security.

     The legislature further finds that international best practices observed in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore demonstrate that successful food innovation networks integrate:

     (1)  Embedded food safety and regulatory frameworks;

     (2)  Measurable performance indicators aligned between governing boards and legislative oversight;

     (3)  Coordinated logistics, tourism, and export infrastructure;

     (4)  Unified place-based branding strategies; and

     (5)  Sustained international partnerships and market access.

     The purpose of this Act is to strengthen the food and product innovation network by refining governance, performance accountability, regulatory integration, branding, export facilitation, and international engagement in alignment with existing law and the State's food security and economic diversification goals.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 163D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:

     1.  By designating section 163D-20 as part IA, and inserting a title before section 163D-20 to read:

"Part Ia.  FOOD AND PRODUCT INNOVATION NETWORK"

     2.  By adding five new sections to part IA to be appropriately designated and to read:

     "§163D-A  Food safety and regulatory framework integration.  (a)  The food and product innovation network shall incorporate a coordinated food safety and regulatory framework across all primary and partner members.

     (b)  The framework shall include but not be limited to:

     (1)  Alignment with applicable federal and state food safety laws, regulations, rules, and food codes;

     (2)  Technical assistance for labeling, testing, validation, and certification requirements;

     (3)  Coordination with the department of health, the university of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resilience, and other relevant agencies; and

     (4)  Integration of regulatory compliance education into workforce development and training programs offered through the network.

     (c)  The corporation may enter into memoranda of agreement or other arrangements necessary to implement this section.

     §163D-B  Food and product innovation network; performance indicators.  (a)  In consultation with the board, the corporation shall establish key performance indicators for the food and product innovation network.

     (b)  The key performance indicators shall include but not be limited to:

     (1)  Number of businesses served and graduating to independent commercial operations;

     (2)  Increases in value-added agricultural and food manufacturing output;

     (3)  Export growth and market diversification;

     (4)  Workforce training and credential attainment;

     (5)  Contributions toward the State's food security goals; and

     (6)  Leveraged private, federal, or philanthropic investment.

     (c)  The performance indicators shall be used to inform the annual report required under section 163D-E and strategic alignment between the corporation, its board, and the legislature.

     §163D-C  Coordination; market access.  The corporation shall develop and implement a coordinated strategy to leverage state and private sector assets to expand market access for food and value-added products, including collaboration with the department of transportation, Hawaii tourism authority, airlines, harbors, hotels, and logistics providers, to facilitate entry into national and international markets.

     §163D-D  State branding alignment.  (a)  In coordination with relevant state agencies, the corporation shall align and harmonize the "Hawaii made", "Hawaii grown", and other state-supported branding initiatives related to food and value-added products.

     (b)  The purpose of branding alignment under this section shall be to:

     (1)  Reduce duplication;

     (2)  Strengthen brand clarity in domestic and international markets; and

     (3)  Maximize economic returns for producers and manufacturers.

     §163D-E  Surveys; economic data; reports.  (a)  Certain surveys administered by the department of commerce and consumer affairs and department of business, economic development, and tourism shall, where practicable, collect and leverage economic data on indigenous and Native Hawaiian businesses.

     (b)  Data collected pursuant to this section shall be shared with the department of business, economic development, and tourism for economic analysis and reporting purposes, subject to applicable confidentiality laws.

     (c)  The corporation shall submit a report to the legislature regarding the data collected pursuant to this section no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session."

     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 2026-2027 for the operations of the food and product innovation network.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the agribusiness development corporation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  In codifying the new sections added by section 2 of this Act, the revisor of statutes shall substitute appropriate section numbers for the letters used in designating the new sections in this Act.

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Food and Product Innovation Network; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Food Safety; Regulatory Integration; Performance Indicators; Market Access; Branding Initiatives; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Food and Product Innovation Network to integrate a coordinated food safety and regulatory framework.  Requires the Agribusiness Development Corporation to establish performance indicators for the Food and Product Innovation Network, develop a market access strategy, align and harmonize state branding initiatives, and report certain data to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE FOOD AND PRODUCT INNOVATION NETWORK.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Act 237, Session Laws of Hawaii 2025, established a statewide food and product innovation network within the agribusiness development corporation to advance value-added manufacturing, exports, and food security.

     The legislature further finds that international best practices observed in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore demonstrate that successful food innovation networks integrate:

     (1)  Embedded food safety and regulatory frameworks;

     (2)  Measurable performance indicators aligned between governing boards and legislative oversight;

     (3)  Coordinated logistics, tourism, and export infrastructure;

     (4)  Unified place-based branding strategies; and

     (5)  Sustained international partnerships and market access.

     The purpose of this Act is to strengthen the food and product innovation network by refining governance, performance accountability, regulatory integration, branding, export facilitation, and international engagement in alignment with existing law and the State's food security and economic diversification goals.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 163D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:

     1.  By designating section 163D-20 as part IA, and inserting a title before section 163D-20 to read:

"Part Ia.  FOOD AND PRODUCT INNOVATION NETWORK"

     2.  By adding five new sections to part IA to be appropriately designated and to read:

     "§163D-A  Food safety and regulatory framework integration.  (a)  The food and product innovation network shall incorporate a coordinated food safety and regulatory framework across all primary and partner members.

     (b)  The framework shall include but not be limited to:

     (1)  Alignment with applicable federal and state food safety laws, regulations, rules, and food codes;

     (2)  Technical assistance for labeling, testing, validation, and certification requirements;

     (3)  Coordination with the department of health, the university of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resilience, and other relevant agencies; and

     (4)  Integration of regulatory compliance education into workforce development and training programs offered through the network.

     (c)  The corporation may enter into memoranda of agreement or other arrangements necessary to implement this section.

     §163D-B  Food and product innovation network; performance indicators.  (a)  In consultation with the board, the corporation shall establish key performance indicators for the food and product innovation network.

     (b)  The key performance indicators shall include but not be limited to:

     (1)  Number of businesses served and graduating to independent commercial operations;

     (2)  Increases in value-added agricultural and food manufacturing output;

     (3)  Export growth and market diversification;

     (4)  Workforce training and credential attainment;

     (5)  Contributions toward the State's food security goals; and

     (6)  Leveraged private, federal, or philanthropic investment.

     (c)  The performance indicators shall be used to inform the annual report required under section 163D-E and strategic alignment between the corporation, its board, and the legislature.

     §163D-C  Coordination; market access.  The corporation shall develop and implement a coordinated strategy to leverage state and private sector assets to expand market access for food and value-added products, including collaboration with the department of transportation, Hawaii tourism authority, airlines, harbors, hotels, and logistics providers, to facilitate entry into national and international markets.

     §163D-D  State branding alignment.  (a)  In coordination with relevant state agencies, the corporation shall align and harmonize the "Hawaii made", "Hawaii grown", and other state-supported branding initiatives related to food and value-added products.

     (b)  The purpose of branding alignment under this section shall be to:

     (1)  Reduce duplication;

     (2)  Strengthen brand clarity in domestic and international markets; and

     (3)  Maximize economic returns for producers and manufacturers.

     §163D-E  Surveys; economic data; reports.  (a)  Certain surveys administered by the department of commerce and consumer affairs and other designated agencies shall, where practicable, collect economic and leverage data on indigenous and Native Hawaiian businesses.

     (b)  Data collected pursuant to this section shall be shared with the department of business, economic development, and tourism for economic analysis and reporting purposes, subject to applicable confidentiality laws.

     (c)  The corporation shall submit a report to the legislature regarding the data collected pursuant to this section no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session."

     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 2026-2027 for the operations of the food and product innovation network.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the agribusiness development corporation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  In codifying the new sections added by section 2 of this Act, the revisor of statutes shall substitute appropriate section numbers for the letters used in designating the new sections in this Act.

     SECTION 5.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Food and Product Innovation Network; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Food Safety; Regulatory Integration; Performance Indicators; Market Access; Branding Initiatives; Reports; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Food and Product Innovation Network to integrate a coordinated food safety and regulatory framework.  Requires the Agribusiness Development Corporation to establish performance indicators for the Food and Product Innovation Network, develop a market access strategy, align and harmonize state branding initiatives, and report certain data to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to the food and product innovation network.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Act 237, Session Laws of Hawaii 2025, established a statewide food and product innovation network within the agribusiness development corporation to advance value-added manufacturing, exports, and food security.

     The legislature further finds that international best practices observed in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore demonstrate that successful food innovation networks integrate:

     (1)  Embedded food safety and regulatory frameworks;

     (2)  Measurable performance indicators aligned between governing boards and legislative oversight;

     (3)  Coordinated logistics, tourism, and export infrastructure;

     (4)  Unified place-based branding strategies; and

     (5)  Sustained international partnerships and market access.

     The purpose of this Act is to strengthen the food and product innovation network by refining governance, performance accountability, regulatory integration, branding, export facilitation, and international engagement in alignment with existing law and the State's food security and economic diversification goals.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 163D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:

     1.  By designating section 163D-20 as part IA, and inserting a title before section 163D-20 to read:

"Part Ia.  FOOD AND PRODUCT INNOVATION NETWORK"

     2.  By adding six new sections to part IA to be appropriately designated and to read:

     "§163D-A  Food safety and regulatory framework integration.  (a)  The food and product innovation network shall incorporate a coordinated food safety and regulatory framework across all primary and partner members.

     (b)  The framework shall include but not be limited to:

     (1)  Alignment with applicable federal and state food safety laws, regulations, rules, and food codes;

     (2)  Technical assistance for labeling, testing, validation, and certification requirements;

     (3)  Coordination with the department of health, the university of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources, and other relevant agencies; and

     (4)  Integration of regulatory compliance education into workforce development and training programs offered through the network.

     (c)  The corporation may enter into memoranda of agreement or other arrangements necessary to implement this section.

     §163D-B  Food and product innovation network; performance indicators.  (a)  In consultation with the board of directors of the agribusiness development corporation, the corporation shall establish key performance indicators for the food and product innovation network.

     (b)  The key performance indicators shall include but not be limited to:

     (1)  Number of businesses served and graduating to independent commercial operations;

     (2)  Increases in value-added agricultural and food manufacturing output;

     (3)  Export growth and market diversification;

     (4)  Workforce training and credential attainment;

     (5)  Contributions toward the State's food security goals; and

     (6)  Leveraged private, federal, or philanthropic investment.

     (c)  The performance indicators shall be used to inform the annual report required under section 163D-E and strategic alignment between the corporation, its board, and the legislature.

     §163D-C  Coordination; market access.  The corporation shall develop and implement a coordinated strategy to leverage state and private sector assets to expand market access for food and value-added products, including collaboration with the department of transportation, the Hawaii tourism authority, airlines, harbors, hotels, and logistics providers, to facilitate entry into national and international markets.

     §163D-D  State branding alignment.  (a)  In coordination with relevant state agencies, the corporation shall align and harmonize the "Hawaii made", "Hawaii grown", and other state-supported branding initiatives related to food and value-added products.

     (b)  The purpose of branding alignment under this section shall be to:

     (1)  Reduce duplication;

     (2)  Strengthen brand clarity in domestic and international markets; and

     (3)  Maximize economic returns producers and manufacturers.

     §163D-E  Surveys; economic data; reports.  (a)  Certain surveys administered by the department of commerce and consumer affairs and other designated agencies shall, where practicable, collect economic and leverage data on indigenous and Native Hawaiian businesses.

     (b)  Data collected pursuant to this section shall be shared with the department of business, economic development, and tourism for economic analysis and reporting purposes, subject to applicable confidentiality laws.

     (c)  The corporation shall submit a report to the legislature regarding the data collected pursuant to this section no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.

     §163D-F  Enterprise zones; expansion.  The department of business, economic development, and tourism shall evaluate opportunities to expand or adapt enterprise zone incentives in all counties to better support the food and product innovation network."

     SECTION 3.  In codifying the new sections added by section 2 of this Act, the revisor of statutes shall substitute appropriate section numbers for the letters used in designating the new sections in this Act.

     SECTION 4  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Food and Product Innovation Network; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Food Safety; Regulatory Integration; Performance Indicators; Market Access; Branding Initiatives; Reports; DBEDT; Enterprise Zones

Description:

Requires the Food and Product Innovation Network to integrate a coordinated food safety and regulatory framework.  Requires the Agribusiness Development Corporation to establish performance indicators for the Food and Product Innovation Network, develop a market access strategy, align and harmonize state branding initiatives, and report certain data to the Legislature.  Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to evaluate or adopt enterprise zone initiatives to all counties.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  931-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 2459

      H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2459, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE FOOD AND PRODUCT INNOVATION NETWORK,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Food and Product Innovation Network to integrate a coordinated food safety and regulatory framework;

     (2)  Require the Agribusiness Development Corporation to:

          (A)  Establish performance indicators for the Food and Product Innovation Network;

          (B)  Develop and implement a market access strategy;

          (C)  Align and harmonize state-supported branding initiatives related to food and value-added products; and

          (D)  Report to the Legislature economic data on indigenous and Native Hawaiian Businesses collected from surveys; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds for the operation of the Food and Product Innovation Network.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Health; Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; Maui Chamber of Commerce; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; and one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2459, H.D. 2, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  755-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 2459

      H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 2459, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE FOOD AND PRODUCT INNOVATION NETWORK,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Food and Product Innovation Network to integrate a coordinated food safety and regulatory framework;

     (2)  Require the Agribusiness Development Corporation to:

          (A)  Establish performance indicators for the Food and Product Innovation Network;

          (B)  Develop and implement a market access strategy;

          (C)  Align and harmonize state-supported branding initiatives related to food and value-added products; and

          (D)  Report certain data to the Legislature; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds for the operation of the Food and Product Innovation Network.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Health; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; and two individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaii Community Development Authority and University of Hawaiʻi System.

     Your Committee finds that Act 237, Session Laws of Hawaii 2025, established the Food and Product Innovation Network as a statewide network of open-access food and value-added product development facilities to enable businesses to scale up new products from research and development to manufacturing and commercialization.  These facilities will enable local producers to create value-added products, increase production capacity, and access larger markets, ultimately strengthening Hawaii's agricultural sector and boosting economic resilience.

     Your Committee further finds that additional guidance is necessary to ensure that the Food and Product Innovation Network advances from a set of discrete facilities to a coordinated statewide economic system.  This measure strengthens the Network by refining governance and integration among key state agencies; setting forth key performance indicators; and increasing market access, branding alignment, and growth opportunities for Hawaii businesses.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by requiring certain surveys administered by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, rather than other designated agencies, to, where practicable, collect and leverage economic data on indigenous and Native Hawaiian businesses.

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $1,750,000.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2459, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2459, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  171-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 2459

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 2459 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE FOOD AND PRODUCT INNOVATION NETWORK,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Food and Product Innovation Network to integrate a coordinated food safety and regulatory framework;

     (2)  Require the Agribusiness Development Corporation to:

          (A)  Establish performance indicators for the Food and Product Innovation Network;

          (B)  Develop and implement a market access strategy;

          (C)  Align and harmonize state-supported branding initiatives related to food and value-added products; and

          (D)  Report certain data to the Legislature; and

     (3)  Require the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to evaluate opportunities to expand or adapt enterprise zone incentives in all counties.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Health; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; and three individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority and University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience.

     Your Committee finds that this measure will strengthen the Food and Product Innovation Network by refining governance, performance accountability, regulatory integration, branding, export facilitation, and international engagement that aligns with existing law and the State's food security and economic diversification goals.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Deleting language that would have required the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to evaluate opportunities to expand or adapt enterprise zone incentives in all counties;

     (2)  Inserting language that appropriates an unspecified amount of funds to the Agribusiness Development Corporation for the operations of the Food and Product Innovation Network;

     (3)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (4)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2459, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2459, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Economic Development & Technology.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,