HI HB1577

Establishes a three-year compost reimbursement pilot program through the Department of Agriculture to provide cost reimbursement to farming operations for purchasing compost from certified processors, dealers, retailers, or wholesalers licensed in Hawaii.

Reimburses farmers and ranchers for up to 50% of compost purchase costs incurred between July 1, 2018 and July 1, 2021, with a maximum of $50,000 per farmer or rancher per year, distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Creates a full-time temporary compost reimbursement pilot program manager position within the Department of Agriculture with a salary not to exceed $50,000 per year to manage daily program coordination and fund distribution.

Appropriates $1,000,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2018-2019, with $50,000 per year allocated for the program manager position and $20,000 per year for program and administrative costs.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit a report to the Legislature by twenty days prior to the 2022 regular session regarding program results and recommendations for reinstatement; the program automatically repeals December 31, 2021.