HI HCR212

Requests federal Food and Drug Administration, state Department of Agriculture, and state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to consult with Hawaii small scale farmers, producers, and affected parties on offsetting costs of Food Safety Modernization Act implementation.

Identifies that over 90 percent of Hawaii farmers generating less than $500,000 annually in adjusted gross income will be significantly impacted by Food Safety Modernization Act compliance requirements.

Notes that Hawaii farmers face higher operational costs than continental U.S. farmers, including expenses for land, leases, water, labor, feed, fertilizer, and energy, making additional regulatory burdens particularly burdensome.

Asserts that the FDA's regulatory cost analysis did not account for unique financial challenges specific to island farmers when drafting Food Safety Modernization Act rules in January 2013.

Directs certified copies of the resolution be sent to the federal Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Hawaii Board of Agriculture Chairperson, Hawaiian Homes Commission Chairperson, and Hawaii's congressional delegation.