HI HB211

Designate state lands suitable for taro production by January 1, 2013, using knowledge of historic dry and wet taro-cultivated areas.

Develop consistent and affordable lease rent rates for taro farms with a cap of $100 per acre, regardless of adjacent land values.

Review and establish accessible lease qualification criteria for taro farmers to remove barriers based on education levels or financial status.

Provide taro farmers and organizations access to information on land inventories, lease opportunities, and qualifying criteria by January 1, 2013.

Require the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture to report to the legislature by 20 days before the 2013 regular session on taro land reclassification, lease rent adjustments, and qualification criteria modifications.