HI SB337

Establishes a three-year cover crop reimbursement pilot program administered by the Department of Agriculture to reimburse farming operations for up to 75% of costs for cover crop seeds, green manure, or compost purchased after June 30, 2021 and before July 1, 2024.

Requires applicants to submit documentation of purchase costs and certify that reimbursement amounts are not already covered by other government programs such as USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service programs.

Creates a review panel comprising representatives from the Department of Agriculture, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, and industry organizations to screen and rank applicants based on quality of their cover crop and composting practices.

Establishes a full-time temporary Cover Crop Reimbursement Pilot Program Manager position within the Department of Agriculture with a salary not exceeding $50,000 per year to administer the program.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit interim and final reports to the legislature by 2024 and 2025 respectively, including recommendations on whether to extend the pilot program.