HI SCR245

Requests the Chairperson of the Hawaiian Homes Commission to convene a Cattle Ranching Task Force and serve as Chair to develop an economic development implementation plan for Hawaii's beef industry.

Task force membership includes representatives from the Board of Agriculture, Board of Land and Natural Resources, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture, county mayors or council chairs, Hawaii Island Meat Cooperative, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Parker Ranch, Kamehameha Schools, and large private pastureland owners.

Task force must submit an implementation plan and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2022 Regular Session convenes.

Task force is dissolved on June 30, 2022.

Background context shows Hawaii currently produces only 5.8 percent of beef consumed in state, with most cattle exported to mainland despite historical local production and significant visitor demand for beef.