WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SCR 88

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO ESTABLISH AND ADMINISTER A MICROBIAL ALGAE SOIL PRODUCTS PILOT PROGRAM.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Henry Aquino and 8 co-sponsors

Proposes a pilot program by Hawaii's Department of Agriculture to test microbial algae soil products on farms to improve soil health and reduce fertilizer use.

Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 720).
#collegeoftropicalagricultureandhumanresilience #departmentofagriculture #microbialalgaesoilproductspilotprogram #reports #rules #universityofhawaii
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SCR 88

Summary — SCR 88 (2025): Microbial Algae Soil Products Pilot Program (Hawaii)

Status: Chaptered — Res. Chapter 148, Statutes of 2025. Introduced: May 29, 2025. Type: Senate Concurrent Resolution (non‑binding request).

Purpose / Intent

SCR 88 requests that the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (DOA) establish and administer a pilot program to test the use of microbial algae soil products on agricultural lands. The resolution aims to explore whether microalgae‑based products can improve soil health, enhance nutrient cycling, reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers, and support sustainable production for Hawaii farms.

Key provisions

  • Requests DOA to establish and run a "Microbial Algae Soil Products Pilot Program" introducing microbial algae on agricultural lands to address soil health and nutrient management.
  • Suggested farmer eligibility (DOA may adopt additional criteria):
    • Small to medium farms between 10 and 100 acres.
    • Farms with stable or moderate production rates.
    • Farms experiencing yield reductions, poor soil health/nutrient management, or excessive fertilizer use.
    • Producers of high‑value or diverse crops.
    • Organic farms.
  • Requests DOA to collaborate with:
    • University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resiliency (CTAHR) and University of Hawaiʻi soil‑science laboratories.
    • Other relevant University of Hawaiʻi departments/labs as appropriate.
  • Reporting requirement: DOA is requested to submit a findings-and‑recommendations report (including any proposed legislation) to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the convening of the Regular Sessions of 2026 and 2027.
  • Certified copies of the resolution to be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture and the Dean of CTAHR.

Who is affected

  • Department of Agriculture: asked to design, run, and report on the pilot.
  • Participating farmers: particularly small/medium, organic, or those with soil health challenges (10–100 acres).
  • University of Hawaiʻi/CTAHR and related research labs: invited partners for study design, monitoring, and analysis.
  • Broader agricultural sector and consumers indirectly, if pilot yields scalable recommendations.

Practical effect and limitations

  • As a concurrent resolution, SCR 88 is a non‑binding request; it does not appropriate funds or create regulatory mandates. Implementation depends on DOA discretion and available resources or external funding.
  • The required reports could lead to future legislation or program funding if pilot results show benefits.

Timeline / Procedural notes

  • Passed both chambers and was chaptered by the Secretary of State on July 16, 2025 (Res. Chapter 148).
  • DOA report deadlines: 20 days before Regular Sessions of 2026 and 2027 (per text).

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

Sign in to ask a question.