HI SB855

Extends the sunset date of the coffee pesticide subsidy program from June 30, 2021 to June 30, 2023 to assist coffee growers in offsetting costs of pesticides for controlling coffee berry borer and coffee leaf rust.

Extends the pesticide subsidy program manager position, including exemption from civil service and collective bargaining laws, from June 30, 2022 to June 30, 2024.

Increases annual subsidy caps for eligible coffee growers to $12,000 per year for the period after June 30, 2021 and before July 1, 2023, with separate $600 per acre limits for coffee berry borer control and coffee leaf rust control.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to establish a list of EPA-registered pesticides licensed in Hawaii containing Beauveria bassiana for coffee berry borer control and a separate list of combined contact and systemic fungicides effective against coffee leaf rust.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit a report to the legislature by the 2023 regular session with findings and recommendations on whether the program should be extended or allowed to expire.