S.B. 1589 Summary

• Establishes a Hawaii Hemp Task Force jointly convened by the Department of Agriculture and Department of Health to gather data on industry needs and inform hemp industry policy and development strategies.

• Task force membership includes hemp producers from each island proportionate to USDA hemp licenses and representatives from fuel, building, fiber, cannabinoid, and grain food sectors, with authority to request information from hemp economists, regulators in other states, retailers, and industry groups.

• Task force must develop an outline of farmer and industry needs and strategies to support public policy for hemp industry development and rural agricultural development in Hawaii.

• Task force must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2024 regular session convenes and ceases to exist on August 30, 2024.

• Initial task force meeting must occur within sixty days of the Act's effective date, with members electing a chair and other officers; members receive no compensation and are exempt from Chapter 92 (public meetings law).