HI HB446

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2017-2018 to acquire land, plan, design, and construct an agricultural park in South Maui for diversified crops including industrial hemp.

Establishes the agricultural park to support small-scale sustainable farming operations and create jobs for agricultural workers affected by the closure of Maui's last sugar plantation.

Recognizes agriculture as a significant contributor to Hawaii's economy ($2.9 billion annually) and notes that smaller diversified farms can fill the void left by declining pineapple and sugar industries.

References the state's existing ten agricultural parks that lease land to small farmers (limited to 20 acres each) engaged in diversified agriculture and aquaculture at reasonable long-term lease rates.

Takes effect July 1, 2017.