HI SB1205

Establishes a reimbursement transportation cost payment program within the Department of Agriculture to reimburse eligible producers for a portion of transportation costs for eligible commodities or inputs.

Eligible producers must be farmers and ranchers from all islands except Oahu who ship to Oahu, or any island farmers/ranchers who export out of state; must have non-agriculture income of $900,000 or less; be state residents; and comply with conservation and wetland protection requirements.

Eligible commodities include aquaculture, feed, fiber, floriculture, horticulture, insects/products, and livestock (elk, reindeer, bison, horses, deer); commercial fishermen are excluded.

Reimbursement amounts calculated based on actual transportation costs, fixed rates, or set percentages established by the department, then multiplied by the applicable cost-of-living allowance percentage for each fiscal year.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture for reimbursements and for one full-time program coordinator position for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019; program begins accepting applications July 1, 2019.