HI HB606

Department of Agriculture must develop and implement a plan by July 1, 2025 to expand meat processing capacity in Hawaii, in collaboration with the Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness, Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and Department of Health Food Safety Branch.

Plan shall enable processing of meat from axis deer (an invasive species) and other wild game for distribution by nonprofit food distribution services such as Feed My Sheep and Hawaii Foodbank.

Addresses the gap between hunters and nonprofits by creating infrastructure for meat processing, as axis deer populations pose environmental threats while providing potential protein sources.

General revenues are appropriated for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to implement the meat processing expansion plan (specific dollar amount not filled in the bill).

Act takes effect on June 30, 3000.