RELATING TO THE AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Hashem

HB 912 boosts Hawaii's agribusiness by funding the Agribusiness Development Corporation and improving the Waiahole Water System, enhancing local farmers' productivity.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

#agribusinessdevelopmentcorporation #appropriation($) #debt #waiaholewatersystem

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 912 (HB 912) aims to enhance the operations and financial stability of the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) in Hawaii. The bill seeks to address critical funding and infrastructure needs, particularly concerning the Waiahole Water System, which is vital for agricultural activities in the region.

Key Provisions

Appropriation of Funds: The bill includes provisions for the appropriation of funds to support the ADC's initiatives. Specific dollar amounts have not been detailed in the provided information, but the funding is intended to bolster agribusiness development and infrastructure improvements.

Debt Management: The legislation addresses issues related to debt management within the ADC, ensuring that the corporation can effectively manage its financial obligations while supporting agricultural development.

Water System Improvements: A significant focus of the bill is on the Waiahole Water System, which is crucial for irrigation and water supply for agricultural lands. The bill aims to ensure that this system is adequately funded and maintained to support local farmers.

Affected Parties

Agribusiness Development Corporation: The ADC will be directly impacted as it will receive additional funding and support to enhance its operations.

Local Farmers and Agricultural Producers: Farmers relying on the Waiahole Water System will benefit from improved water access and infrastructure, potentially leading to increased agricultural productivity.

Hawaii's Agricultural Sector: The overall agricultural sector in Hawaii will be positively affected by the bill, as it aims to strengthen the support systems necessary for sustainable agribusiness.

Legislative Timeline and Procedural Aspects

Introduced: January 21, 2025

First Reading: The bill was introduced and passed its first reading on January 23, 2025.

Committee Review: The bill was referred to the Agriculture (AGR) and Water and Land (WAL) committees. It was scheduled for a hearing on January 28, 2025, and subsequently recommended for passage with amendments on January 31, 2025.

Second Reading: On February 4, 2025, HB 912 passed its second reading as amended in HD 1 and was referred to the WAL committee for further consideration.

Related Legislation

SB 1539: This bill has a companion measure in the Senate, indicating a parallel effort to address similar issues related to agribusiness development.

In summary, HB 912 is a legislative effort to support Hawaii's agricultural sector through financial appropriations and improvements to critical infrastructure, particularly the Waiahole Water System. The bill has progressed through the legislative process and is currently under consideration by the WAL committee.

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