HI HB858

Establishes a new Agricultural Statistics Program within the Department of Agriculture to collect, analyze, and report data on intra- and inter-island transportation of fresh fruit and vegetable products.

Requires the Department to develop electronic systems for data capture and analysis, and establish sector-specific surveys covering agricultural theft, tourism, aquaculture, crop losses, farm technology, horticulture, livestock, producer expansion, seeds, tropical fruits, and vegetables.

Authorizes the Department to collaborate with federal agencies (USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Agricultural Marketing Service, Bureau of Labor Statistics) and local entities including the University of Hawaii to enhance data collection efforts.

Requires collected data to be kept confidential and not subject to public disclosure under Hawaii's sunshine law, except in aggregate statistical form that cannot identify individuals or entities.

Appropriates unspecified funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 for agricultural economist positions, research statistician positions, office equipment, electronic systems development, and contracted specialty surveys across six islands.