HB131 Summary

• Legalizes hemp in Hawaii consistent with federal law (2018 Farm Bill), removing it from the definition of marijuana in state law and clarifying hemp is not a controlled substance.

• Allows Industrial Hemp Pilot Project licensees to use hemp genetics from any state that meet federal definitions of hemp (0.3% delta-9 THC or less on dry weight basis).

• Requires the Board of Agriculture Chairperson to prepare and submit a state hemp production plan to the federal Secretary of Agriculture within a specified timeframe for federal approval.

• Authorizes the Department of Agriculture to monitor and regulate hemp production, including commercial and research operations, pursuant to the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946.

• Requires the Board of Agriculture to report to the Governor and Legislature on the status of federal plan approval and implementation, with proposed legislation due 20 days before the 2020 legislative session.