HI HB491

Appropriates $750,000 from the environmental response, energy, and food security tax to the Aina Institute for Bioconversion Technology for fiscal year 2013-2014.

Directs appropriated funds toward developing a decision-making tool to identify optimum crops and technologies for energy production.

Establishes grant funding under chapter 42F of Hawaii Revised Statutes to support the institute's mission of reducing Hawaii's dependence on imported products through sustainable farming and energy technologies.

Requires the Aina Institute for Bioconversion Technology to submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2014 regular session detailing activities, progress on objectives, and fund usage.

Takes effect July 1, 2013.