HI SCR184

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, producers, and affected parties on offsetting implementation costs of the Food Safety Modernization Act.

Highlights that more than 90 percent of Hawaii's farmers generate less than $500,000 annually in adjusted gross income and will be significantly impacted by the Act's requirements.

Notes that Hawaii farming costs for land, leases, water, labor, feed, fertilizer, and energy are substantially higher than in continental United States, making additional regulatory compliance burdens particularly threatening to farm viability.

States that the FDA's regulatory cost analysis for Food Safety Modernization Act rules did not account for the unique cost burdens facing island farmers when the rules were drafted in January 2013.

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