HB 975 Summary

• Amends Act 312, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022 to clarify requirements for the three-year cover crop reimbursement pilot program administered by the Department of Agriculture.

• Requires the Department of Agriculture to publicly post information about the program and all awarded grants to ensure equal opportunity for all farming operations to participate.

• Establishes detailed application requirements including indemnification provisions, applicant eligibility criteria (for-profit entities, nonprofits, cooperatives, or individuals), and grant conditions such as compliance with state laws and availability of records for department monitoring.

• Specifies that reimbursement covers up to 75 percent of costs incurred for cover crop seeds, green manure, or compost purchased between June 30, 2022 and July 1, 2025, with funding distributed based on rankings assigned by a review panel.

• Exempts grants made under this program from procurement requirements in chapters 103D and 103F, Hawaii Revised Statutes, while requiring transparency in the application process.