HB 255 Summary

• Establishes local food self-sufficiency in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner as the primary purpose of the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC), with local production prioritized over export.

• Requires the ADC to develop written policies and procedures within one year regarding board oversight, application processes, property management, and file/document management to improve transparency and accountability.

• Expands the ADC board from eleven to fifteen voting members, requiring at least four members with local food production experience, at least two with organic/natural farming expertise, and at least one with native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices expertise.

• Sets five-year targets for the ADC to lease or license at least 80% of its lands for agricultural production, designate at least 50% of leases for sustainable farming practices (organic, Korean natural farming, or biodynamic), reserve at least 20% for parcels of 20 acres or less, and prohibit concentrated animal feeding operations on its lands.

• Requires the ADC to test soils before occupancy and mandate that lessees remove contaminants exceeding baseline levels before lease expiration or property vacation.