H.R. 192 Summary

• Urges the State Department of Agriculture and County of Maui Department of Agriculture to implement policies making USDA-certified in-state meat inspectors, inspections, and processing facilities more accessible and affordable for local hunters to process and distribute venison.

• Requests increased hiring of USDA-certified in-state meat inspectors for game mammals to reduce inspection costs for hunters.

• Directs the State and County agriculture departments to convene a joint task force to develop plans for affordable processing and community distribution of locally hunted axis deer meat in coordination with USDA-certified facilities.

• Requires the joint task force to submit a report on program accomplishments, barriers, findings, and recommendations including any proposed legislation to the Legislature by November 30, 2025.

• Addresses axis deer overpopulation on Maui, which damages native plants and contributes to erosion and fire/flood risks, while expanding access to locally hunted protein for the community.