HI SB736

Creates a temporary advisory task force on the preservation of important agricultural lands under the department of business, economic development, and tourism to study agricultural land classification and use policies.

Task force membership includes one state senator, one state representative, the chairperson of the board of agriculture, the director of business, economic development, and tourism (as co-chairs), representatives from county agencies, nonprofit organizations, and academic experts in land use.

Task force shall study whether existing urban, rural, agricultural, and conservation district classifications need amendment to address agricultural self-sufficiency and biofuel production competition with food crop lands.

Task force shall examine whether urban or rural lands are suitable for biofuel crop production and whether important agricultural lands should be used for biofuel production.

Task force shall submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2012 regular session convenes, then be dissolved.