HI HR273

Directs the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism to establish a Hawaii Cacao Economic Opportunity Task Force to develop a plan for a cacao processing plant.

Task force plan shall address planning for a processing plant, selecting a location, and financing mechanisms.

Task force comprises nine members including representatives from state departments (DBEDT, Agriculture, Land and Natural Resources), cacao and chocolate industries, UH-CTAHR, finance, and marketing sectors.

Task force must submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2012 Regular Session convenes.

Resolution cites Hawaii's unique position as the only U.S. state capable of commercial cacao cultivation and references strong market growth projections for the chocolate industry.