HI HR147

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

Identifies that more than 90 percent of Hawaii's farmers generate less than $500,000 per year in adjusted gross income and will be significantly impacted by FSMA compliance costs.

Notes that Hawaii farmers face substantially higher operational expenses than continental U.S. farmers for land, water, labor, feed, fertilizer, and energy.

Calls for financial relief mechanisms to help small farmers maintain viable operations while complying with Food Safety Modernization Act requirements.

Directs transmission of certified copies to the federal Commissioner of Food and Drugs, state agriculture officials, Hawaiian Homes Commission, and Hawaii's congressional delegation.