Dean M. Matsukawa

The public hearing focused on proposed amendments to Hawaii Administrative Rules regarding pesticide regulations to align with state certification plans and federal standards. Key discussion points included replacing specific language in the certification plan to clarify mandatory requirements for pesticide applicators, and increasing maximum civil and criminal penalties to comply with state legislation. Public testimony was received, covering themes such as requests for greater transparency in pesticide usage, improved communication for consumers regarding products grown with pesticides, the necessity of increased public health protections, and concerns regarding the lack of specific definitions for pesticides and natural alternatives.

The board discussed several key agricultural and biosecurity matters. Key agenda items included the approval of an emergency loan for Pacific Produce Incorporated, also known as Quality Greens, to cover infrastructure and crop losses from a recent storm event. The board also addressed the certification of acreage assessments for various irrigation systems for the 2027 fiscal year and approved a scheduled incremental increase to the water delivery charge for all irrigation users to move the program toward financial self-sufficiency.

The board reviewed a report regarding compliance training for an interim rule within a CRB-affected zone. Key discussion topics included the status of training efforts, promotional strategies for compliance, identification of breeding sites in local nurseries, challenges involving non-compliance by major retailers, and requests for clarification on state agency inspection processes and mapping boundaries for rule enforcement.

The committee meeting agenda includes a request for the importation and possession of twenty-seven Plains Bison by Aloha Bison, LLC for breeding and commercial meat production. Additionally, the request covers the update of permit conditions associated with the importation and possession of these restricted animals.

The board discussed and recommended for approval the amendments to the Hawaii Administrative Rules chapter 4-8 regarding the agricultural loan division. Key topics included the introduction of a new import replacement loan category to encourage local farming expansion, the implementation of flat interest rates for qualified farmers, and the creation of line of credit loans to provide farmers with working capital and operational liquidity. The board also addressed the removal of the unused North Kala loan and grant program from the rules.