HI HB236

Extends the Hawaii coffee pesticide subsidy program from June 30, 2021 to June 30, 2023, allowing continued financial assistance to coffee growers for purchasing pesticides to control coffee berry borer and coffee leaf rust.

Extends the pesticide subsidy program manager position through June 30, 2024, maintaining the position's exemption from civil service (Chapter 76) and collective bargaining (Chapter 89) requirements.

Increases the annual subsidy cap from $9,000 to $12,000 per grower for the period after June 30, 2021, and establishes separate $600 per acre limits for coffee berry borer control and coffee leaf rust control.

Adds coffee leaf rust control methods to the eligible reimbursable pesticides, including contact and systemic fungicides that are EPA-registered and state-licensed, in response to the 2020 discovery of coffee leaf rust on Maui and Hawaii island.

Requires the department to submit a report to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2023 regular session on the subsidy program's results and recommendations on whether the program should be extended or allowed to expire.