HI SB753

Appropriates $300,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2019-2020 to revitalize the aquaculture development program within the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

Directs the program to strengthen staff expertise and capabilities in collection and dissemination of information, species and site selection, permit acquisition, product and technical services marketing, and targeted research and extension services with the University of Hawaii on a cost-sharing basis.

Establishes the department of agriculture aquaculture development program as the lead state agency for developing aquaculture in Hawaii.

Recognizes that Hawaii's aquaculture industry generates more than $70 million annually and that the program has been reduced in staff and function after being subsumed under the animal industries division.

Takes effect on July 1, 2019.