S.B. 2500 Summary

• Establishes a food and product innovation network within the Agribusiness Development Corporation to support businesses in scaling value-added products and capitalizing on "made in Hawaii" branding

• Network includes five partner members: Department of Education food and product innovation center in Kekaha (Kauai), foreign-trade zone facility in Hilo (Hawaii), University of Hawaii Maui College food innovation center, UH Hawaii Community College Palamanui center in Hilo (Hawaii), and UH Leeward Community College center in Wahiawa (Oahu)

• Network shall provide product development support, manufacturing access, business training, export compliance assistance, and entrepreneurial development programs across multiple islands

• Limits each county to no more than two facilities producing products labeled "made in Hawaii," "produced in Hawaii," or "processed in Hawaii"

• Appropriates funds for facilities on Molokai (including axis deer processing), Oahu, Hawaii (Hilo and Kailua-Kona), Kauai, and Maui, plus staff positions; requires annual reporting to legislature; effective July 1, 2050