S.R. 96 Summary

• Urges the Governor, Department of Agriculture, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, and related entities to expand Hawaii's aquaculture industry to meet the goal of doubling local food production by 2020.

• Notes that nearly 90% of Hawaii's food stock is imported, including over 60% of seafood, leading to higher food prices, increased carbon emissions, and sustainability concerns.

• Highlights that Hawaii's aquaculture industry had a farm gate value of $76,400,000 in 2017 as the third highest contribution to diversified agriculture.

• Urges the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to transfer four identified parcels (Tax Map Keys 5-8-001-013, 5-8-001-055, 5-8-001-007, and 5-8-001-006) to the Agribusiness Development Corporation for aquaculture production.

• States that aquaculture expansion could help revitalize rural communities and that doubling U.S. aquaculture production would create 50,000 jobs and generate $1 billion in market value.