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 fruits and vegetables

Requires development of electronic systems for capturing agricultural data and creation of rotating sector-specific surveys covering agricultural theft, agritourism, aquaculture, crop/livestock losses, farm technology, horticulture, and other key areas

Makes data collected under the program confidential and exempt from public disclosure under Chapter 92F, though aggregate or statistical information may be released

Authorizes collaboration with federal agencies (USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Bureau of Labor Statistics) and local entities (University of Hawaii) as well as partnerships with producers, transportation companies, and distributors

Appropriates unspecified funds for FY 2025-2026 and FY 2026-2027 to hire agricultural economists and research statisticians, establish office space and equipment across six islands, and contract third-party surveys; effective July 1, 2050