HI HB690

Establishes the Hawaii Agricultural Investment Program within the Agribusiness Development Corporation to provide matching grants supporting local agricultural producers.

Grants may fund acquisition or improvement of real property, irrigation systems, transportation networks, equipment, technology, workforce development, research, marketing, and food safety training to reduce food imports.

Requires grantees to comply with all applicable federal and state laws, use funds exclusively for program purposes, obtain insurance, indemnify the State, and maintain records for corporation oversight.

Mandates the corporation submit annual reports to the legislature detailing program expenditures, targeted markets, beneficiaries served, measurable objectives, and number of socially disadvantaged farmers served.

Appropriates unspecified amounts for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 for program operations and two full-time equivalent positions to manage grant procurement, contracts, and accounting oversight.