Why should you support the bill?
The state planning act establishes several objectives for Hawai‘i’s economy with respect to agriculture, including the continued viability of our sugar and pineapple industries; the growth and development of diversified agriculture; and the maintenance of agriculture as a dynamic and essential component of the state’s strategic, economic and social well-being. However, these objectives do not explicitly include the promotion of traditional farming methods or the development of small scale farms, as may be critical to maintaining our islands’ food security in a changing climate. Accordingly, consistent with recommendations from the United Nations Commission on Trade and Development and the Hawai‘i State Taro Security and Purity Task Force, this measure updates the state’s agricultural objectives to include the perpetuation, promotion and growth of traditional Hawaiian farming methods and crops; as well as the growth and development of small scale farms. Learn more about the bill by reading the whitepaper.
For more information about SB434 SD1 or other bills from our 2015 legislative package, please visit oha.org/legislation.
How can you support the bill?
Support the bill by logging into the Hawai‘i State Capitol website and submit testimony or testify in-person.
Sample Testimony
I strongly SUPPORT SB434 SD1 which updates the State Planning Act’s agricultural objectives to support traditional Hawaiian farming techniques and crops, and small farms. Currently, our State Planning Act prioritizes sugar and pineapple industries and diversified agriculture. Although these objectives have merit, I believe it should be updated to reflect community-driven efforts to feed Hawai‘i’s communities through traditional Hawaiian farming practices and small farms from mauka to makai. I feel we can support the State’s efforts to further food security and self-sufficiency by prioritizing traditional Hawaiian agriculture technologies such as loko i‘a (fishponds), mala (cultivated gardens), and lo‘i (irrigated patches). These agricultural systems have historically fed large number Hawaiian communities with minimal impact to the environment. I urge the committee to PASS this bill.
