HI HR111

Request the Department of Agriculture to convene a working group to review the duties, responsibilities, and performance of the Agribusiness Development Corporation.

Working group shall consist of 9 members including the Board of Agriculture Chairperson (who shall chair), Director of Business Economic Development and Tourism, Dean of University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, and representatives with expertise in agricultural marketing, loans/financing, transportation, and processing.

Working group is requested to assess whether the Agribusiness Development Corporation is meeting current and future agricultural industry needs and recommend improvements to increase efficiency.

Department of Agriculture shall report the working group's findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2012.

Legislative Reference Bureau is requested to assist the working group with drafting any necessary legislation based on the group's recommendations.