Hawaii Department of Agriculture

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.

The meeting agenda includes requests for the approval of amended rules for the Agricultural Loan Division and an emergency loan for OCR Inc. dba Small Kine Farm. Additionally, the board will discuss the conversion of a general lease for the former Kaupakulua School Lot and a request for a right-of-entry for environmental assessment work at the Pana'ewa Agricultural Park and Farm Lots. Discussions regarding the Plant Industry Division cover the importation of Plains Bison by Aloha Bison, LLC, a petition to amend quarantine rules for gravel movement to Molokai, and the proposed adoption of Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 4-69 regarding pest designation. Furthermore, the meeting will include an informational briefing regarding biosecurity activities related to Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 150A.

The board addressed several administrative and operational matters including the assignment of a general lease for the Waimānalo Agricultural Park and a right-of-entry request for cleanup at the Panaʻewa Agricultural Park. Additionally, the board approved the activation of a loan program to provide relief for agricultural operations impacted by the recent Kona Low storm system. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing and approving a petition for interim rulemaking to restrict the movement of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle host material on Hawaii Island to prevent further spread. The board also received a status update on current recruitment and staffing for various divisions, including plant quarantine, plant pest control, and pesticide management.

The board discussed multiple administrative items, including requests for lease cancellations and dispositions for several agricultural park parcels, and an amendment to a prior board action regarding a lease modification. There was extensive discussion regarding a request for an emergency water subsidy to preserve livestock during an ongoing drought. The board also addressed a petition to initiate administrative rulemaking to restrict the transportation of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) host material on Hawaii Island to mitigate its spread. Additionally, the meeting included an update on the Invasive Species Action Plan, which covered personnel changes, the establishment of a Biosecurity Academy, and reports on the compliance rates for imported Christmas trees.

The committee reviewed a request from Aloha Bison for the importation and possession of 27 plains bison for breeding and commercial meat production at a ranch on Oahu. Discussions focused on biosecurity measures, including fencing requirements to prevent animal escapes, emergency response procedures, and staff training protocols. Public testimony was provided regarding concerns about the adequacy of containment plans, particularly in light of flood risks, and potential impacts on the surrounding community and existing local agricultural operations. The committee also discussed why bison are classified as restricted animals compared to other domesticated livestock.