HI HB1569

Department of Agriculture shall develop and implement an import replacement pilot program to research, coordinate, and promote production of high-risk commodities in Hawaii to reduce importation of such commodities.

High-risk commodities are those with higher potential for transporting invasive species into the State, as identified through the biosecurity program established by Act 236, 2008.

Department shall identify suitable commodities for replacement and assess methods to promote their local production, considering factors such as price, quality, consistency, and availability.

Chairperson of the board of agriculture shall submit a report on program status and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2012 regular session.

Act becomes effective July 1, 2011, and is repealed June 30, 2014; funding is appropriated from general revenues for fiscal year 2011-2012.