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GM 1339

Informing the Legislature that on June 27, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB774 HD2 SD1 CD1 (ACT 237).

2025 Regular Session

Act 237 establishes a statewide food and product innovation network in Hawaii, boosting local businesses, enhancing product development, and supporting economic growth.

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Bill Summary · GM 1339

Summary of GM 1339 - Informing the Legislature of Act 237

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: GM 1339
- Title: Informing the Legislature that on June 27, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB774 HD2 SD1 CD1 (ACT 237).
- Status: Received
- Introduced: June 27, 2025
- Classification: Proclamation
- Subject: Act 237

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of GM 1339 is to formally inform the legislature that the Governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, M.D., has signed into law House Bill 774, which is now designated as Act 237. This act aims to establish a statewide food and product innovation network to enhance the agricultural and economic diversification goals of the State of Hawaii.

Key Provisions of Act 237

  1. Establishment of the Food and Product Innovation Network:

    • The act creates a centralized network of open-access facilities dedicated to food and value-added product development.
    • This network will be administered by a designated corporation to ensure consistent standards and strategic direction across all facilities.

  2. Objectives of the Network:

    • Enable businesses to leverage the "Hawaii made," "produced in Hawaii," or "processed in Hawaii" branding.
    • Support the creation of world-class products and facilitate scaling up production through access to manufacturing equipment and industry expertise.

  3. Facilities and Partnerships:

    • The network will include facilities on various islands, including Kauai, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu.
    • Partner members will consist of existing institutions such as the University of Hawaii's food innovation centers and foreign-trade zones.

  4. Resources and Support:

    • The network will provide resources for innovation, including courses on entrepreneurship, marketing, and business management.
    • It will also support product development from early-stage trials to commercialization, including assistance with certifications for local and export markets.

  5. Reporting Requirements:

    • The corporation managing the network must submit annual reports to the legislature detailing activities, progress, and assessments related to the state's agriculture and food security goals.

  6. Funding:

    • The act appropriates $385,289 from the general revenues of the State of Hawaii for the fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support the implementation of the food and product innovation network.

Impact

  • Who Will Be Affected:

    • Local businesses, particularly those in the agricultural and food sectors, will benefit from enhanced resources and support for product development.
    • The initiative aims to stimulate economic growth and innovation within the state, potentially leading to increased job creation and exports.

  • Timeline:

    • The bill was signed into law on June 27, 2025, and the appropriated funds will be available for the upcoming fiscal years to facilitate the establishment and operation of the network.

In summary, GM 1339 serves as a formal notification of the enactment of Act 237, which seeks to bolster Hawaii's agricultural sector through a collaborative innovation network designed to enhance product development and market reach.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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