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2021 Policy Priorities & Bills

Increase funding for SNAP Double-Up Bucks

HB235: RELATING TO SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INCENTIVES

SB512: RELATING TO SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INCENTIVES

Removes the $10 per visit per day cap on the dollar-for-dollar match received by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries under the Hawaii Healthy Food Incentive Program, also known as the Double Up Food Bucks Program. Specifies that healthy proteins are eligible purchases under the program. Makes an appropriation to the Department of Agriculture to expand funding for the program.

Encourage investment in agriculture using tools such tax credits,  breaks, and incentives

  • Taro Production Tax Exemption
    • HB694, RELATING TO TARO
    • SB341: RELATING TO TARO
    • Establishes an exemption from state income tax for the first $100,000 of income derived from taro, taro products, and land used to produce taro if the total amount of land used to cultivate taro in Hawaii does not exceed thirty thousand acres at any point in the year.

Build justice and equity priorities into state agricultural programs

SB 1416: RELATING TO FARMER EQUITY
Establishes provisions within the department of agriculture to enhance farmer equity by ensuring inclusion of socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in the development, implementation, and enforcement of food and agriculture laws, rule, policies, and programs. Requires an annual report to the legislature.

Fund CIP other shovel ready projects that support the ag industry

SB1349: RELATING TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS BENEFITING AGRICULTURE.
Appropriates funds for capital improvement projects for agriculture.

Create regular state support for food hubs, aggregators, and distributors of local food

HB 829: RELATING TO A FOOD HUB PILOT PROGRAM

SB 338: RELATING TO A FOOD HUB PILOT PROGRAM

Requires the Department of Agriculture to establish a five-year food hub pilot program to increase access to local food. Provides for the award of grant funding to qualified applicants wishing to establish or expand a food hub. Requires reports to the Legislature. Makes an appropriation.