HI SB2318

Establishes a statutory Agricultural Statistics Program within the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to collect, analyze, and report data on inter-island transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Requires the department to develop electronic data collection systems and implement rotating sector-specific surveys covering agricultural theft, agritourism, aquaculture, crop/livestock losses, farm technology, and other agricultural activities.

Makes all data collected under the program confidential and exempt from public disclosure under Hawaii's open records law, except when presented in aggregate form that prevents individual identification.

Authorizes collaboration with federal agencies (USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Bureau of Labor Statistics) and University of Hawaii entities to enhance data collection and reporting.

Appropriates unspecified general fund amounts for fiscal year 2026-2027 to hire 2 agricultural economists and 4 research statisticians, establish office space and equipment on six islands, and contract third-party specialty surveys.