HI HR90

Urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture to improve access to taro growing lands and opportunities for taro self-sufficiency in Hawaii.

Directs departments to reevaluate their inventory of lands for potential taro-growing use, as the state retains numerous former taro lands or lands capable of wet or dry taro production.

Requires development of more affordable and reasonable lease rent rates, as current rates range from $30 to $2,000 per acre annually and are often inflated by adjacent developed property values.

Calls for establishing accessible qualifying criteria for taro farmers, removing barriers based on specific educational levels or financial status that disadvantage family-based and young farmers.

Directs departments to partner with the Taro Security and Purity Task Force to facilitate expansion of taro production and food self-sufficiency throughout Hawaii.