HI SB3038

Excludes up to $100,000 of annual income derived from taro production, taro products sales, or taro farming-related activities from Hawaii state income tax.

Exclusion applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019, with an effective date of July 1, 2050.

Exclusion terminates if total locally grown taro acreage in Hawaii exceeds 30,000 acres, as determined by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Intended to create economic incentives for new taro farmers, improve livelihoods of existing taro growers, and reduce poi costs for local families as part of Hawaii's goal to double food production by 2030.

Recognizes taro's importance to food security and Native Hawaiian health, with taro identified as Hawaii's highest-yielding staple starch crop and a climate-resilient food source.