HB 657 Summary

• Department of Agriculture shall hire a consultant to identify infrastructure needs of hemp farmers and the hemp industry across Hawaii's islands

• Consultant must submit report by July 1, 2024 to the legislature, governor, and board of agriculture chairperson with recommended infrastructure by island

• Report must include schematics of processing steps and infrastructure needed from harvest to product, with approximate costs per component, sizing/capacity options, and required square footage

• Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2023-2024 to cover consultant hiring and report preparation costs (specific amount not specified in bill)

• Act takes effect on June 30, 3000