HI HB1426

Establishes a food and product innovation network within the Agribusiness Development Corporation to support businesses in developing and scaling value-added products branded "made in Hawaii," "produced in Hawaii," or "processed in Hawaii."

Network includes four partner facilities: Department of Education food and product innovation center in Kekaha (Kauai), foreign-trade zone facility in Hilo (Hawaii), University of Hawaii Maui college food innovation center (Maui), and University of Hawaii Leeward community college value-added product development center in Wahiawa (Oahu).

Network shall provide business development support including courses on entrepreneurship, marketing, branding, intellectual property protection, new product development from trials to commercialization, production certifications, and process optimization advice.

Limits each county to no more than two facilities that produce products labeled with Hawaii origin designations under section 486-119.

Appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 for facilities on Molokai (focusing on axis deer products), Oahu, Hilo, and Kailua-Kona; requires annual reporting to legislature on network activities and progress toward agricultural and food security goals.