HI HB211

Designates state lands suitable for taro production and requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture to reevaluate their land inventory for potential taro-growing lands by January 1, 2013.

Establishes a cap on lease rents for taro farms at $100 per acre regardless of adjacent land values, and requires development of a consistent and affordable lease rent rate schedule specific to taro lands by January 1, 2013.

Requires review and development of consistent, accessible qualifying criteria for taro farmers to obtain farm leases by January 1, 2013, removing barriers such as specific education or financial status requirements.

Mandates that taro farmers, organizations, and individuals be provided access to information about taro land inventories, lease opportunities, qualifying criteria, and costs by January 1, 2013.

Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture to submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2013 regular session on reclassification of taro lands, lease rent adjustments, and modifications to lease qualification criteria.