HI SR44

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

Working group composition includes the Board of Agriculture Chairperson (as Chair), Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, University of Hawaii Dean of College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Hawaii Community Development Authority Executive Director, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation Executive Director, and six members with expertise in agricultural marketing, financing, transportation, processing, water irrigation systems, and land development.

Working group shall assess the Agribusiness Development Corporation's efficiency and recommend improvements to programs addressing current and future agricultural issues.

Department of Agriculture must report the working group's findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2012 Regular Session convenes.

Legislative Reference Bureau is requested to assist with drafting legislation if the working group submits proposals by November 1, 2011.