HI HB776

Establishes the Hawaii Agricultural Transportation Assistance Program within the Department of Agriculture to help offset high shipping costs faced by geographically disadvantaged farmers and livestock producers

Creates two components: a reimbursement program for eligible transportation costs (fertilizers, seeds, equipment, livestock, feed, and finished goods) and a grant program for small-scale farmers, ranchers, food hubs, and producers in rural or underserved areas

Establishes the Hawaii Agricultural Transportation Assistance Special Fund to receive legislative appropriations, federal funds, and private contributions, with expenditures allowed without additional appropriation

Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing program participation, total reimbursements and grants distributed, and assessments of impact on agricultural productivity and competitiveness

Appropriates unspecified amounts from general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, with an effective date of July 1, 3000 (placeholder date)