HI SR70

Directs the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture to convene a task force to review agricultural policies from other states for potential application in Hawaii.

Task force to include 12 members: Board of Agriculture chair (serving as task force chair), Directors of Health and Transportation, all county mayors, legislative agriculture committee chairs, two state legislators from agricultural areas, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture dean, and representatives from the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, agriculture wholesalers, food industry, and hotel and lodging association.

Task force instructed to focus review on good agricultural practices, water resources, air quality, and food safety policies.

Task force must submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2013 Regular Session convenes, with draft recommendations submitted to the Legislative Reference Bureau by November 1, 2012.

Legislative Reference Bureau requested to assist the task force in preparing its findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation.