HB 858: DOA; Agricultural Statistics Program; Positions; Appropriations

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the department of agriculture's existing agricultural statistics program plays a crucial role in providing producers and policymakers with essential data to guide short-term decision-making and long-term strategic planning.  In fact, the department of agriculture has a statutory duty, and a contractual obligation with the United States Department of Agriculture, to ensure robust data collection and reporting across the State.  However, the department has experienced several shortcomings in the agricultural statistics program, including limited access to accurate and timely agricultural data and outdated collection, analysis, and dissemination of agricultural statistics, which results in limited insights to data that is critical to the movement of agricultural goods into and within the State.

     The legislature further finds that in 2024, the department of agriculture launched a statewide process to address key economic challenges facing the agricultural sector and developed short‑term actions and a long-term strategy aimed at addressing the shortcomings of its statistics program and other goals, such as boosting local product availability and expanding market capacity.  The objectives of the long-term strategy are to:

     (1)  Collect, analyze, and report data and trends on the intra- and inter-island production, distribution, and sale of select agricultural products;

     (2)  Provide producers with the information needed to make informed decisions about planning, scaling operations, and exploring new growth or market opportunities;

     (3)  Provide other decisionmakers with key analyses of production and production opportunities, trends, and growth to better allocate public resources to support agriculture and the public; and

     (4)  Support the strategic growth and development of Hawaii's agricultural sector by enhancing the statistics program's data collection, analysis, and reporting capabilities.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to revitalize and enhance the department of agriculture's agricultural statistics program by statutorily establishing an agricultural statistics program and appropriating funds for the program.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 148, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Part     .  Agricultural statistics

     §148-    Agricultural statistics program.  The department of agriculture shall:

     (1)  Collect data, provide analysis, and report on the intra- and inter-island transportation of fresh fruit and vegetable products;

     (2)  Develop and maintain electronic systems for capturing and analyzing data on the intra- and inter-island transportation of fresh fruit and vegetable products; and

     (3)  Establish a structured rotation schedule for expanded, consistent, sector-specific surveys to collect comprehensive data on key agricultural activities, including:

          (A)  Agricultural theft;

          (B)  Agricultural tourism;

          (C)  Aquaculture;

          (D)  Crop and livestock losses;

          (E)  Farm technology;

          (F)  Horticulture and nursery;

          (G)  Livestock numbers and productivity;

          (H)  Producer expansion;

          (I)  Seed;

          (J)  Tropical fruits;

          (K)  Vegetables and melons; and

          (L)  Other surveys as may be determined necessary.

     §148-    Exemption.  Data and information collected by the department for the purposes of this part or collected, compiled, and stored in the agricultural statistics program shall be confidential and shall not be subject to discovery or to disclosure under chapter 92F; provided that nothing in this section shall preclude disclosure of the information in a statistical or aggregate form that does not allow the identification of an individual person or entity.  The State shall not be liable for any dissemination of information collected, compiled, or stored for use in the agricultural statistics program.

     §148-    Collaboration; partnerships.  The department of agriculture may:

     (1)  Collaborate with national and local entities, including the following, to enhance data collection, analyses, and reporting efforts:

          (A)  The United States Department of Agriculture;

          (B)  The United States National Agricultural Statistics Service;

          (C)  The United States Agricultural Marketing Service;

          (D)  The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics;

          (E)  The University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resilience;

          (F)  The University of Hawaii economic research organization; and

          (G)  Other state agencies as needed; and

     (2)  Establish partnerships with local producers, transportation companies, aggregators, and distributors to facilitate the electronic capture of and access to other data sets."

     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 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the following:

     (1)  $           for the establishment of      full-time equivalent (      FTE) agricultural economist positions;

     (2)  $           for the establishment of      full-time equivalent (      FTE) research statistician positions;

     (3)  $           for the establishment of secured office space, equipment, the development of electronic data collection systems, and program expenses for six islands; and

     (4)  $           for contracted specialty surveys to be conducted by third-party entities, focusing on critical agricultural data needs.

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

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

DOA; Agricultural Statistics Program; Positions; Appropriations

Description:

Requires the Department of Agriculture to revitalize and enhance the Agricultural Statistics Program to collect data on local agricultural interests.  Appropriates funds.  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 AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the department of agriculture's existing agricultural statistics program plays a crucial role in providing producers and policymakers with essential data to guide short-term decision making and long-term strategic planning.  In fact, the department of agriculture has a statutory duty and also a contractual obligation with the United States Department of Agriculture to ensure robust data collection and reporting across the State.  However, the department has experienced several shortcomings in the agricultural statistics program, including limited access to accurate and timely agricultural data and outdated collection, analysis, and dissemination of agricultural statistics, which results in limited insights to data that is critical to the movement of agricultural goods into and within the State.

     The legislature further finds that in 2024, the department of agriculture launched a statewide process to address key economic challenges facing the agricultural sector and developed short‑term actions and a long-term strategy aimed at addressing the shortcomings of its statistics program and other goals, such as boosting local product availability and expanding market capacity.  The objectives of the long-term strategy are to:

     (1)  Collect, analyze, and report data and trends on the intra- and inter-island production, distribution, and sale of select agricultural products;

     (2)  Provide producers with the information needed to make informed decisions about planning, scaling operations, and exploring new growth or market opportunities;

     (3)  Provide other decisionmakers with key analyses of production and production opportunities, trends, and growth to better allocate public resources to support agriculture and the public; and

     (4)  Support the strategic growth and development of Hawaii's agricultural sector by enhancing the statistics program's data collection, analysis, and reporting capabilities.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to revitalize and enhance the department of agriculture's agricultural statistics program by statutorily establishing an agricultural statistics program and appropriating funds for the program.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 148, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Part    .  Agricultural statistics

     §148-     Agricultural statistics program.  The department of agriculture shall:

     (1)  Collect data, provide analysis, and report on the intra- and inter-island transportation of fresh fruit and vegetable products;

     (2)  Develop and maintain electronic systems for capturing and analyzing data on the intra- and inter-island transportation of fresh fruit and vegetable products; and

     (3)  Establish a structured rotation schedule for expanded, consistent, sector-specific surveys to collect comprehensive data on key agricultural activities, including:

          (A)  Agricultural theft;

          (B)  Agricultural tourism;

          (C)  Aquaculture;

          (D)  Crop and livestock losses;

          (E)  Farm technology;

          (F)  Horticulture and nursery;

          (G)  Livestock numbers and productivity;

          (H)  Producer expansion;

          (I)  Seed;

          (J)  Tropical fruits;

          (K)  Vegetables and melons; and

          (L)  Other surveys as may be determined necessary.

     §148-     Exemption.  Data and information collected by the department for the purposes of this part or collected, compiled, and stored in the agricultural statistics program shall be confidential and shall not be subject to discovery or to disclosure under chapter 92F; provided that nothing in this section shall preclude disclosure of such information in a statistical or aggregate form that does not allow the identification of an individual person or entity.  The State shall not be liable for any dissemination of information collected, compiled, or stored for use in the agricultural statistics program.

     §148-     Collaboration; partnerships.  The department of agriculture may:

     (1)  Collaborate with national and local entities, including the following, to enhance data collection, analyses, and reporting efforts:

          (A)  The United States Department of Agriculture;

          (B)  The United States National Agricultural Statistics Service;

          (C)  The United States Agricultural Marketing Service;

          (D)  The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics;

          (E)  The University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resilience;

          (F)  The University of Hawaii economic research organization; and

          (G)  Other state agencies as needed; and

     (2)  Establish partnerships with local producers, transportation companies, aggregators, and distributors to facilitate the electronic capture of and access to other data sets."

     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 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the following:

     (1)  $           for the establishment of      full-time equivalent (     FTE) agricultural economist positions;

     (2)  $           for the establishment of      full-time equivalent (     FTE) research statistician positions;

     (3)  $           for the establishment of secured office space, equipment, the development of electronic data collection systems, and program expenses for six islands; and

     (4)  $           for contracted specialty surveys to be conducted by third-party entities, focusing on critical agricultural data needs.

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

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Department of Agriculture; Agricultural Statistics Program; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the Department of Agriculture to revitalize and enhance the agricultural statistics program to collect data on local agricultural interests.  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 agricultural statistics.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the department of agriculture's existing agricultural statistics program plays a crucial role in providing producers and policymakers with essential data to guide short-term decision making and long-term strategic planning.  In fact, the department of agricultural has a statutory duty and also a contractual obligation with the United Stated Department of Agriculture to ensure robust data collection and reporting across the State.  However, the department has experienced several shortcomings in the agricultural statistics program, including limited access to accurate and timely agricultural data and outdated collection, analysis, and dissemination of agricultural statistics, which results in limited insights to data that is critical to the movement of agricultural goods into and within the State.

     The legislature further finds that in 2024, the department of agriculture launched a statewide process to address key economic challenges facing the agricultural sector and developed short‑term actions and a long-term strategy aimed at addressing the shortcomings of its statistics program and other goals, such as boosting local product availability and expanding market capacity.  The objectives of the long-term strategy are to:

     (1)  Collect, analyze, and report data and trends on the intra- and inter-island production, distribution, and sale of select agricultural products;

     (2)  Provide producers with the information needed to make informed decisions about planting, scaling operations, and exploring new growth or market opportunities;

     (3)  Provide other decisionmakers with key analyses of production and production opportunities, trends, and growth to better allocate public resources to support agriculture and the public; and

     (4)  Support the strategic growth and development of Hawaii's agricultural sector by enhancing the statistics program's data collection, analysis, and reporting capabilities.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to revitalize and enhance the department of agriculture's agricultural statistics program by statutorily establishing an agricultural statistics program and appropriating funds for the program.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 148, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new part to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"Part    .  Agricultural statistics

     §148-     Agricultural statistics program.  The department of agriculture shall:

     (1)  Collect data, provide analysis, and report on the intra- and inter-island transportation of fresh fruit and vegetable products;

     (2)  Develop and maintain electronic systems for capturing and analyzing data on the intra- and inter-island transportation of fresh fruit and vegetable products; and

     (3)  Establish a structured rotation schedule for expanded, consistent, sector-specific surveys to collect comprehensive data on key agricultural activities, including:

          (A)  Agricultural theft;

          (B)  Agricultural tourism;

          (C)  Aquaculture;

          (D)  Crop and livestock losses;

          (E)  Farm technology;

          (F)  Horticulture and nursery;

          (G)  Livestock numbers and productivity;

          (H)  Producer expansion;

          (I)  Seed;

          (J)  Tropical fruits;

          (K)  Vegetables and melons; and

          (L)  Other surveys as may be determined necessary.

     §148-     Exemption.  (a)  Data and information collected by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this part shall not be subject to disclosure under chapter 92F.

     (b)  All data collected, compiled, and stored in the agricultural statistics program shall be confidential and protected from discovery, production, and disclosure.  Unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution of data shall be strictly prohibited.  The State shall not be liable for any dissemination of information collected, compiled, or stored for use in the agricultural statistics program.

     §148-     Collaboration; partnerships.  The department of agriculture may:

     (1)  Collaborate with national and local entities, including the following, to enhance data collection, analyses, and reporting efforts:

          (A)  United States Department of Agriculture;

          (B)  United States National Agricultural Statistics Service;

          (C)  United States Agricultural Marketing Service;

          (D)  United States Bureau of Labor Statistics;

          (E)  University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources;

          (F)  University of Hawaii economic research organization; and

          (G)  Other state agencies as needed; and

     (2)  Establish partnerships with local producers, transportation companies, aggregators, and distributors to facilitate the electronic capture of and access to other data sets."

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $880,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the following:

     (1)  $170,000 for the establishment of two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) agricultural economist positions;

     (2)  $280,000 for the establishment of four full-time equivalent (4.0 FTE) research statistician positions;

     (3)  $130,000 for the establishment of secured office space, equipment, the development of electronic data collection systems, and program expenses for six islands; and

     (4)  $300,000 for contracted specialty surveys to be conducted by third-party entities, focusing on critical agricultural data needs.

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

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

Department of Agriculture; Agricultural Statistics Program; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes the agricultural statistics program in statute.  Appropriates funds for the program.

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. 1090

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 858

       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. 858, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Department of Agriculture to revitalize and enhance the Agricultural Statistics Program to collect data on local agricultural interests; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds for the establishment of positions and other expenses for the program.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Department of Research and Development of the County of Hawaiʻi; Ulupono Initiative; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; and one individual.

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System.

     Your Committee finds that the Agricultural Statistics Program (Program) has several shortcomings, including limited access to accurate and timely agricultural data and outdated collection, analysis, and dissemination of agricultural statistics.  Your Committee recognizes the significant need for consistent agricultural statistics to help mitigate and manage various challenges of agricultural activities in the State.  This measure establishes staff positions and funds surveys that will support the Program to empower local farmers and stakeholders to make informed decisions, develop effective policies, and monitor the efficacy of the State's agricultural programs.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

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

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

     Your Committee notes that this measure contains an unspecified appropriation amount, including unspecified allocation amounts for:   the establishment of an unspecified number of full-time equivalent (FTE) agricultural economist positions; an unspecified number of full-time equivalent (FTE) research statistician positions; secured office space, equipment, the development of electronic data collection systems, and program expenses for six islands; and contracted specialty surveys to be conducted by third-party entities, focusing on critical agricultural data needs.  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 $880,000 for the fiscal biennium to be allocated as follows:

     (1)  $170,000 for the establishment of two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) agricultural economist positions;

     (2)  $280,000 for the establishment of four full-time equivalent (4.0 FTE) research statistician positions;

     (3)  $130,000 for the secured office space, equipment, the development of electronic data collection systems, and program expenses for six islands; and

     (4)  $300,000 for contracted specialty surveys to be conducted by third-party entities, focusing on critical agricultural data needs.

     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. 858, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 858, 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.  875

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 858

      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. 858, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Department of Agriculture to revitalize and enhance the Agricultural Statistics Program to collect data on local agricultural interests; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Department of Research and Development of the County of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Ulupono Initiative; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association; and one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Office of Information Practices and 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. 858, 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.  640

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 858

      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. 858 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Department of Agriculture to revitalize and enhance the Agricultural Statistics Program to collect data on local agricultural interests; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds for program expenses and certain positions.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Department of Research and Development, County of Hawaiʻi; Ulupono Initative; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association; and Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System and Office of Information Practices.

     Your Committee finds that accurate and timely agricultural data is essential for supporting Hawaii's farmers, strengthening the local food system, and guiding strategic decision-making for policymakers.  By improving data collection, analysis, and reporting, this measure will support agricultural producers in optimizing operations, expanding market reach, and increasing food security.

     Your Committee notes that the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience increased its capacity in agricultural economics with the hiring of two new agricultural economists last year, with an additional food and agricultural marketing faculty currently under recruitment.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Clarifying provisions related to the exemption of certain data and information collected from public disclosure, under certain conditions;

     (2)  Changing the appropriation and allocation amounts to unspecified amounts;

     (3)  Changing the number of authorized positions to unspecified numbers;

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

     (5)  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 $880,000, including $170,000 for the establishment of two full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) agricultural economist positions; $280,000 for the establishment of four full-time equivalent (4.0 FTE) research statistician positions; $130,000 for the establishment of secured office space, equipment, the development of electronic data collection systems, and program expenses throughout the State; and $300,000 for contracted specialty surveys to be conducted by third-party entities focusing on critical agricultural data needs.

     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. 858, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 858, 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,