HI SB2175

Authorizes the Dean of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to establish a two-year industrial hemp remediation and biofuel crop research program complying with Section 7606 of the federal Agricultural Act of 2014.

Allows the research program to grow and cultivate industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L. with no more than 0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) at a single test site to study phytoremediation of contaminated soil and water and to evaluate hemp as a biofuel feedstock.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to certify that seed stock is industrial hemp before cultivation begins and to monitor the test site to ensure no marijuana is grown.

Protects participants in the research program from civil or criminal penalties for growing or possessing industrial hemp as part of the program in full compliance with its requirements.

Requires a final report to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2016 regular session convening covering contamination uptake rates, carbon fixation, contaminant locations in plant parts, and industrial hemp viability as biofuel feedstock.

Bill takes effect July 1, 2014 and automatically repeals July 1, 2016.