HB 773: Department of Agriculture; Grant Specialist; Positions; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that many of Hawaii's farmers and ranchers are finding difficulty in securing the financial support necessary to build a thriving, vibrant business.  Various sources of funding, including grants provided by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, and private entities, are available for farmers and ranchers.  Access to grants from the United States Department of Agriculture and other sources can increase production capacity, provide new business opportunities, and increase employment opportunities within the State's agricultural industry.

     The legislature further finds that farmers and ranchers applying for grants may have to complete an application process that is sometimes complex.  Without specific technical expertise in grant writing, many farmers and ranchers may be deterred from applying for those grants.  Well-trained and skilled grant specialists would be able to assist farmers and ranchers in obtaining and fulfilling the requirements of grants.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to establish grant specialist positions within the department of agriculture to assist farmers and ranchers in applying for, obtaining, and fulfilling the requirements of grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, or private entities.

     SECTION 2.  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 2025-2026 for the establishment of      full-time equivalent (     FTE) grant specialist positions within the department of agriculture to assist farmers and ranchers in applying for, obtaining, and fulfilling the requirements of grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, or private entities; provided that the grant specialist positions shall prioritize assisting farmers and ranchers who produce local food that is at least partly consumed within the State.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Department of Agriculture; Grant Specialist; Positions; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to establish grant specialist positions to assist farmers and ranchers in meeting the requirements to receive grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, or private entities.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

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 AGRICULTURE.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that many of Hawaii's farmers and ranchers are finding difficulty in securing the financial support necessary to build a thriving, vibrant business.  Various sources of funding, including grants provided by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, and private entities, are available for farmers and ranchers.  Access to grants from the United States Department of Agriculture and other sources can increase production capacity, provide new business opportunities, and increase employment opportunities within the State's agricultural industry.

     The legislature further finds that farmers and ranchers applying for grants may have to complete an application process that is sometimes complex.  Without specific technical expertise in grant writing, many farmers and ranchers may be deterred from applying for those grants.  Well-trained and skilled grant specialists would be able to assist farmers and ranchers in obtaining and fulfilling the requirements of grants.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for grant specialist positions within the department of agriculture to assist farmers and ranchers in applying for, obtaining, and fulfilling the requirements of grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, or private entities.

     SECTION 2.  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 2025-2026 for the establishment of      full-time equivalent (     FTE) grant specialist positions within the department of agriculture to assist farmers and ranchers in applying for, obtaining, and fulfilling the requirements of grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, or private entities; provided that the grant specialist positions shall prioritize assisting farmers and ranchers who produce local food that is at least partly consumed within the State.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Department of Agriculture; Grant Specialist; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds for grant specialist positions to assist farmers and ranchers in meeting the requirements to receive grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, or private entities.  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 agriculture.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that many of Hawaii's farmers and ranchers are finding difficulty in securing the financial support necessary to build a thriving, vibrant business.  Various sources of funding, including grants provided by the United States Department of Agriculture and the State, counties, and private entities, are available for farmers and ranchers.  Access to grants from the United States Department of Agriculture and other sources can increase production capacity, provide new business opportunities, and increase employment opportunities within the State's agricultural industry.

     The legislature further finds that farmers and ranchers applying for grants may have to complete an application process that is sometimes complex.  Without specific technical expertise in grant writing, many farmers and ranchers may be deterred from applying for those grants.  Well-trained and skilled grant specialists would be able to assist farmers and ranchers in obtaining and fulfilling the requirements of grants.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for grant specialist positions within the department of agriculture to assist farmers and ranchers in applying for, obtaining, and fulfilling the requirements of grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, or private entities.

     SECTION 2.  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 2025-2026 for the establishment of two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) grant specialist positions within the department of agriculture to assist farmers and ranchers in applying for, obtaining, and fulfilling the requirements of grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, or private entities; provided that the grant specialist positions shall prioritize assisting farmers and ranchers who produce local food that is at least partly consumed within the State.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

Department of Agriculture; Grant Specialist; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds for grant specialist positions to assist farmers and ranchers in meeting the requirements to receive grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, or private entities.

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. 1684

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 773

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 773, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys for the establishment of grant specialist positions within the Department of Agriculture to assist farmers and ranchers in applying for, obtaining, and fulfilling the requirements of grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, and private entities.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Hawaii Farmers Union, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Local Food Coalition, Purple Maia Foundation, Ulupono Initiative, and one individual.

     Your Committee recognizes that the application process for grant funding is complex and requires expertise to complete responsive grant packages.  Your Committee finds that providing technical assistance through grant specialists available to farmers and ranchers will help maximize the funding available to support the State's agricultural sector.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 773, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1129

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 773

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred H.B. No. 773, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds for the establishment of grant specialist positions within the Department of Agriculture to assist farmers and ranchers in applying for, obtaining, and fulfilling the requirements of grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, or private entities.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Ulupono Initiative; Local Food Coalition; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Hawaii Food Industry Association; and two individuals.

     Your Committee finds that there are many federal funding opportunities for agricultural purposes that remain untapped or overlooked due to a lack of procedural knowledge or adequate grant writing expertise.  According to testimony received by your Committee, establishing and funding dedicated positions within the Department of Agriculture to assist grant applicants is extremely timely, not only to secure new funding for local farmers and ranchers, but also to preserve existing grant funding amid current uncertainties at the federal level.  This measure seeks to enhance the Department's capacity to assist local agricultural sector applicants to pursue and maximize the availability of federal funds to bolster the State's efforts towards food security and sustainability, while easing the burden of complex application procedures and compliance challenges on farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural operators who pursue grant funding. 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

     (2)  Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     Your Committee notes that this measure contains an unspecified appropriation amount for the establishment of an unspecified number of full-time equivalent (FTE) grant specialist positions.  Should your Committee on Ways and Means choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committee respectfully requests that it consider inserting an appropriation amount of $200,000 for the establishment of two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) grant specialist positions within the Department of Agriculture.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 773, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 773, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  872

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 773

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 773, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for grant specialist positions within the Department of Agriculture to assist farmers and ranchers in applying for, obtaining, and fulfilling the requirements of grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, or private entities.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Local Food Coalition; Ulupono Initiative; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; and three individuals.

     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. 773, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  397

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 773

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred H.B. No. 773 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for grant specialist positions to assist farmers and ranchers in meeting the requirements to receive grants offered by the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, or private entities.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Ulupono Initiative; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; Hawai‘i Farmers Union; Local Food Coalition; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that many of Hawaii's farmers and ranchers struggle to secure the financial support needed to grow and sustain their businesses.  While grants from the United States Department of Agriculture, State, counties, and private entities offer valuable funding opportunities, the complex application processes can deter farmers from applying.  Without specialized knowledge in grant writing, many farmers and ranchers miss out on critical resources that could strengthen the local agricultural industry.  This measure appropriates funds to establish grant specialist positions within the Department of Agriculture to assist farmers and ranchers in navigating the application process, securing funding, and fulfilling grant requirements.  By providing this support, the State can help to ensure that Hawaii's agricultural businesses thrive and contribute to food security and economic resilience.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the number of full-time equivalent grant specialist positions to an unspecified number;

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

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

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $200,000 for two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) grant specialist positions with the Department of Agriculture.

     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. 773, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 773, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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