HI SR66

Department of Agriculture requested to convene an advisory group to develop initiatives prioritizing the use of important agricultural lands for sustainability and self-sufficiency purposes.

Advisory group to include representatives from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, one representative from each of the four counties, and representatives from organizations such as Ulupono Initiative, Kanu Hawaii, and Hawaii Agriculture Research Center.

Advisory group must meet with government and private entities and hold public meetings subject to Chapter 92, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Advisory group must report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2012 Regular Session with findings, recommended initiatives, proposed legislation, a statutory definition of "farm," and a prioritized listing of statewide agricultural activities focused on local food production.

Certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, Director of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, county mayors, and heads of specified agricultural organizations.