Monday, March 25, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
State Senators Reversed Themselves GMO LABEL Bill
State senators
reversed themselves today and announced they will hold a hearing on a
bill that would require the labeling of genetically modified produce
imported to Hawaii.
Senators had previously indicated they would not hear House Bill 174, which state Attorney General David Louie has said that if passed by the Legislature would likely be struck down by the federal courts as unconstitutional. The federal government has jurisdiction over food labeling.
Sen. Clarence Nishihara, the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said senators are responding to public pressure from environmental and anti-GMO activists who have demanded a hearing. After a lengthy private caucus among senators today, Nishihara said he believed the consensus among senators was to schedule a hearing.
The Senate agreed to waive its internal 72-hour public notice requirement to hold a hearing on the bill at 9 a.m. Thursday.
Senators agreed to make Nishihara's committee the lead on the bill in conjunction with the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and the Senate Health Committee. The Senate Health Committee had previously been the lead committee. If the bill clears the three committees on Thursday, it would go before the Senate Ways and Means Committee before the full Senate. Previously, the bill would have gone to the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee. Sen. Clayton Hee, the Judiciary committee's chairman, had waived off jurisdiction Monday in the hopes of keeping the bill alive.
House lawmakers who approved the bill earlier this month acknowledged that it was flawed but hope the legislation can be perfected before the session ends in May.
Residents lobby for labeling of genetically modified foods
GMO-label bill faulty, state says
Senators had previously indicated they would not hear House Bill 174, which state Attorney General David Louie has said that if passed by the Legislature would likely be struck down by the federal courts as unconstitutional. The federal government has jurisdiction over food labeling.
Sen. Clarence Nishihara, the chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said senators are responding to public pressure from environmental and anti-GMO activists who have demanded a hearing. After a lengthy private caucus among senators today, Nishihara said he believed the consensus among senators was to schedule a hearing.
The Senate agreed to waive its internal 72-hour public notice requirement to hold a hearing on the bill at 9 a.m. Thursday.
Senators agreed to make Nishihara's committee the lead on the bill in conjunction with the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and the Senate Health Committee. The Senate Health Committee had previously been the lead committee. If the bill clears the three committees on Thursday, it would go before the Senate Ways and Means Committee before the full Senate. Previously, the bill would have gone to the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee. Sen. Clayton Hee, the Judiciary committee's chairman, had waived off jurisdiction Monday in the hopes of keeping the bill alive.
House lawmakers who approved the bill earlier this month acknowledged that it was flawed but hope the legislation can be perfected before the session ends in May.
Residents lobby for labeling of genetically modified foods
GMO-label bill faulty, state says
Monday, March 18, 2013
Buy Native, It Matters
LICH "Buy Native, It Matters" Poster Survey
The Hawaii Department
of Agriculture promotes locally produced crops with the "Buy Local, It
Matters" posters. LICH is producing along the same lines native plant
poster called "Buy Native, It Matters" The poster is 50% funded by HDOA.
We will be printing the poster as an insert for our 32 page color
magazine which is mailed to 6,000 landscape professionals across the
state. It will be in the September/October issue, which will be themed
with 5-10 native plant stories and information on our annual conference.
We will print some additional posters on an art stock paper for
distribution at our annual conference at the Blaisdell on 10/10/13. The
conference this year will be themed on native species with 15-20
sessions focused on native species. We are anticipating that the
conference will include the first LICH native species design awards
ceremony (work in progress). So Sept/Oct is all about native species
with the poster, magazine, conference and awards.The poster will be
the maximum size that will fit in the magazine, which is 25.5" width by
33" height. It will be full color on the front and back with a spot
gloss coat to make the pictures pop. The front of the poster will be
geared for being displaying in retail establishments for consumers to
choose a native plant instead of a nonnative plant. The back side will
be geared for people growing, installing and maintaining native plants.
The front of the poster will have the words "Buy Native, It Matters" in a prominent size. The front will have 25-35 plant pictures with names and icons. The plants will consist of vines/groundcovers, shrubs, and trees. The icons will be for traits that affect buying decisions - sun/shade, wet/dry, endemic/indigenous, cultural, etc.
The back will have pictures for identification and information on propagating/growing, installing and maintaining. The information will be as succinct as possible for successful applications of native plants.
We have started a list of plants that are available and should be more commonly used and would welcome everyone's comments and the top vines, groundcovers, shrubs and trees. Only 35 will make the poster so choose your favorite plants in each category and suggest others we may have missed.
Plants should be naturally occurring on most islands or have different species on all islands (ie Loulu), be available in the trade and good for commercial and residential use in the urban/suburban environment.
Mahalos!!
The front of the poster will have the words "Buy Native, It Matters" in a prominent size. The front will have 25-35 plant pictures with names and icons. The plants will consist of vines/groundcovers, shrubs, and trees. The icons will be for traits that affect buying decisions - sun/shade, wet/dry, endemic/indigenous, cultural, etc.
The back will have pictures for identification and information on propagating/growing, installing and maintaining. The information will be as succinct as possible for successful applications of native plants.
We have started a list of plants that are available and should be more commonly used and would welcome everyone's comments and the top vines, groundcovers, shrubs and trees. Only 35 will make the poster so choose your favorite plants in each category and suggest others we may have missed.
Plants should be naturally occurring on most islands or have different species on all islands (ie Loulu), be available in the trade and good for commercial and residential use in the urban/suburban environment.
Mahalos!!
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Sunday, March 17, 2013
What Is That Circle Around Us? Richard Ha!
What Is That Circle Around Us?
Richard Ha writes:
A bunch of things are happening right now. They look very
different, but see if you notice what they all have in common.
We are
just seeing the tomatoes start to produce more in spite of the dark, wet
weather. It’s the third week of February; and last year, too, our tomatoes’
rate of production started climbing in the third week of February. That gives
me a good feeling, because I’d been looking around and anticipating this.
All around I see growth. Avocado trees everywhere are choke
with flowers right now. The ‘ulu are starting to develop on the tree; the ones
I’m watching are about baseball size right now. Everything’s growing and
producing around us.
We spent Saturday in Kona at a get-together for
Armstrong Produce and its farmers. We stayed there for several hours, talking
story with everybody.
I was sitting next to Timothy Choo, a chef
from Sodexho, which does food service for UH Hilo. Sodexho is a huge
supporter of local products, they go out of their way to buy locally,
and we had a big conversation about it. Sodexho is supplied by Suisan,
also a big supporter of local products.
I was also talking to Troy Keolanui, manager of OK Farms. Ed Olson
owns that farm, 200 acres of many kinds of fruit and other trees, and we
help distribute their produce under our Hilo Coast brand.They are located behind Rainbow Falls, and they have a tent, with chairs in it, where they can sit and look at the falls. They purposely set it up behind some bushes so it doesn't disrupt the more common view of Rainbow Falls, the one that tourists look at every day.
Then we drove back to this side of the island and went straight
to Puna. Chef Alan Wong was there, and he was throwing a small dinner for the
farmers he buys from here.
Alan Wong and I started talking about the Adopt-A-Class project. I
said, “Why don’t we do a broader Adopt-A-Class project this time, in Puna.
We’ll take the whole district and go to each of the schools there, including
the charter schools. Everywhere there are elementary school kids.”
He’s into it. When we did this in the past, Alan Wong gave a class at Keaukaha Elementary School where he showed the kids how
to use tomatoes, and passed tomatoes around and had some of those kids eating,
and loving, tomatoes.
Then yesterday, the folks from Zippy’s came by the farm.
They’re going to open up a restaurant at Prince Kuhio Plaza soon and we’ll be
supplying some of their products. Zippy’s has a strong “support local” program.
When you go into any Zippy’s restaurant, you always see signs about which farms
they get some of their products from. Zippy's also uses local beef. It’s a
corporate decision to support local growers.
Do you see the common link among all these things?
Everybody’s coming at it from a different point-of-view, but the common
denominator is that we are so lucky to live here in Hawai‘i!
It’s all about local food and making ourselves food-secure.
Our tomatoes are thriving and plentiful; where else in the country can you grow
tomatoes throughout the winter? Other food is growing all around us.
Armstrong Produce distributes the products of many local
farmers and producers. So does Suisan. Sodexo buy that local food.
And Alan Wong, too, is very interested in supporting local farmers
and teaching local school kids. He’s very aware of the movement to be
self-sustaining and is always reaching out to teach kids about where they come
from, how their parents used to live and how we can live now. He’s all about
helping people be grounded, and he comes at it with the training of a very
high-level chef.
People are really helping each other out. Everybody has to make
money, but they're looking after the next person in the chain. If you're
the farmer, you're hoping that your wholesaler is caring about you and
not just the retailers. Everybody is look after everybody else. It's the only way I can figure out that we can help our own workers. Because, of everyone, who's going to protect the workers? I've got to do everything I can to protect them.
There’s a big circle of sustainability around us, and it’s
one that’s getting bigger and bigger. It’s really incredible, though it’s easy
to get caught up in our busy lives and forget to notice.
Friday, March 15, 2013
March in March to EVICT MONSATO
March in March to Evict Monsanto
LOCATION: Kamehameha Statue, Hilo 9:30am, March 16th
The Island of Hawai`i will be the 3rd of 5 Islands across the state to host a, “March in March to Evict Monsanto,” on Saturday, March 16, 2013.
The march encourages Hawai`i residents to support and celebrate food sovereignty and investigate land stewardship practices by landowners such as Kamehameha Schools that is leasing 1,033 acres of land to Monsanto. Hawai’i is the global research lab of the world for genetic engineered organisms (GMOs) testing with over 5,000 open-‐field experiments statewide.
This is a free community event for all ages. There will be face-‐painting, a non-‐GMO pot-‐luck, a mini Zumba class with UH Hilo Dance Instructor Kea Kapahua and other island Zumba Instructors, a non-‐ GMO seed exchange, informational tables, and dance troupe-‐ Rebekah Duncan and the Kealakehe Dance Team will all be a part of the event.
Participants are invited to signwave at the Kamehameha Statue in Hilo at 9am. At 9:30am we will leave the statue, pass by the Hilo Farmer’s Market, and cross the street to the Mo’oheau Bandstand. Esteemed speakers will speak from 11-‐12pm on issues concerning the growing of genetically modified crops and the impact they have upon the `aina. Food sovereignty activist Walter Ritte, Senator Russell Ruderman-‐ owner of Island Naturals, and UH Manoa professor of agriculture Dr. Hector Valenzuela will speak. Lono Kanaka'ole Trio, Darryl Castillo, and Chris Berry and Friends will be playing music.
We invite the community to participate in the march and rally to show solidarity for a future free from genetically engineered crops growing on the islands by Monsanto, Dow, Dupont/Pioneer and Syngenta. All of these crops are shipped off island, most of which are for animal feed and research. Also, these companies do not pay taxes on these exports. These open fields near schools and communities are doused regularly with large quantities of toxic industrial chemicals, some of which are banned in Europe.
The event is free and open to the public.
March in March to Evict Monsanto is the vision of the Hawai’i GMO Justice Coalition and Professional Surfer and MMA fighter Dustin Barca. Sponsored in part by the Sierra Club-‐ Moku Loa Group, Know Your Farmer Alliance, Kailani Pool Service, Island Naturals, Da Hui, Kulture Tattoo, Food Democracy Now, Babes Against Biotech, and Millions Against Monsanto.
This event is highlighting the film created by the Hawai’i GMO Justice Coalition addressing the impact of genetic engineering in Hawai`I; Stop Monsanto From Poisoning Hawaii: Genetic Engineering Chemical Warfare. The film will be shown at UH Hilo the Wednesday preceding the march on Saturday. 43 minute Film Link: http://youtu.be/uZgrOFjhzdg
For more information about the event please contact Kea Kapahua at kristikea@yahoo.com or 808-‐896-‐5622.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Funding Renewed for Organic Cost-Share Program
The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is currently accepting applications for a new round of organic certification cost-share assistance to organic farmers and organic livestock operators. Renewed federal funding totaling up to $65,000 has been allotted to help Hawaii organic farmers with the cost of organic certification through a cooperative agreement executed between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and HDOA.
Click for more information
Click for more information
Organic farmers and livestock operators are required to have their farms and practices inspected annually and certified by an agent approved by the USDA. The Agricultural Management Assistance Organic Certification Cost-Share Program (AMAOCCSP) allows organic growers to receive reimbursement of up to 75 percent of the cost of this inspection and certification (up to a maximum of $750). The AMAOCCSP program was authorized under the Federal Crop Insurance Act. This is the fifth consecutive year that Hawaii has participated in this program.
To receive reimbursement, the date of certification or renewal by a USDA accredited certifying agent must occur between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013. Applications and information are available online at the HDOA website: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/add/md/usda-organic-certification-cost-share-programs/
Unfortunately, USDA did not renew a separate program this year for organic processors/handlers.
For information and assistance with the application process, contact:
HDOA – Agricultural Development Division
Market Development Branch, 1428 S. King Street, Room 214, Honolulu, HI 96814-2512
Phone: (808) 973-9595 Fax: (808) 973-9590 Email: hdoa.md@hawaii.gov
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Monday, March 11, 2013
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Types Of SARE Grants
. Research & Education Grants
These grants – also known as Chapter 1 for their designation in the enabling legislation – involve a team of scientists, producers, outreach specialists and others using interdisciplinary approaches to address issues related to sustaining agriculture. There is a new format and focus for these grants this year so be sure to carefully read the Call for pre-Proposals. The 2013 Call for pre-Proposals will be issued in April 2012, with pre-proposals due in June 2012. Following scrutiny by a technical review panel of scientists, agency personnel, producers and others, presenters of the best pre-proposals will be asked to submit full proposals, due in November 2012. Full proposals will undergo technical review in January 2013, and the Western SARE Administrative Council will select proposals for funding in March 2013.
2. Professional Development Program Grants
These grants focus on training agricultural professionals to help them spread knowledge about sustainable agriculture concepts and practices. PDP Grants are limited to $75,000. Grants can run for up to three years, with the final year to be focused on project evaluation. The 2013 Call for Proposals will open in April 2012, with proposals due October 2012. Proposals will be reviewed by a technical panel in January 2013, and the Western SARE Administrative Council will select proposals for funding in March 2013.
3. Farmer/Rancher Grants
These one- to three-year grants are conducted by agricultural producers with support and guidance from a technical advisor. Individual farmers or ranchers may apply for up to $15,000, and a group of three or more producers may apply for up to $25,000. Producers typically use their grants to conduct on-site experiments that can improve their operations and the environment and can be shared with other producers. Grant recipients may also focus on marketing and organic production. The 2013 Call for Proposals will open in April 2012, with proposals due in December 2012. A technical review will be held in January 2013, and proposals will be selected for funding in March 2013.
4. Professional + Producer Grants
These one- to three-year grants are similar in concept to the Farmer/Rancher Grants with a few key differences. Instead of a producer serving as the project coordinator, an agricultural professional – Cooperative Extension educator or Natural Resources Conservation Service professional, for example – coordinates the project. A farmer or rancher serves as the project advisor. Applicants can seek up to $50,000 and must have at least five producers involved. The Call for Proposals for Professional + Producer Grants will open in April 2012, with proposals due in December 2012. A technical review will be held in January 2013, and proposals will be selected for funding in March 2013.
5. Graduate Student Grants in Sustainable Agriculture
The Graduate Student Grants provide a maximum of $25,000 and may last for up to two years. These funds are eligible for masters or Ph.D. students enrolled full time (as determined by the institution’s requirements) at accredited colleges or universities in the Western region. The graduate student is eligible for only one grant during his or her graduate program. The PI for these grants is the Major Professor, not the graduate student; however the graduate student is welcome to be the one who applies on-line. Proposals are due in May 2012, after which they are reviewed by a technical review panel in July 2012. The Western SARE Administrative Council selects proposals for funding in August 2012, and award notifications are made that September. The amount of targeted funds for these grants has doubled this year due to the rise in qualified proposals submitted over the years that Western SARE was not able to fund due to budget restraints.
These grants – also known as Chapter 1 for their designation in the enabling legislation – involve a team of scientists, producers, outreach specialists and others using interdisciplinary approaches to address issues related to sustaining agriculture. There is a new format and focus for these grants this year so be sure to carefully read the Call for pre-Proposals. The 2013 Call for pre-Proposals will be issued in April 2012, with pre-proposals due in June 2012. Following scrutiny by a technical review panel of scientists, agency personnel, producers and others, presenters of the best pre-proposals will be asked to submit full proposals, due in November 2012. Full proposals will undergo technical review in January 2013, and the Western SARE Administrative Council will select proposals for funding in March 2013.
2. Professional Development Program Grants
These grants focus on training agricultural professionals to help them spread knowledge about sustainable agriculture concepts and practices. PDP Grants are limited to $75,000. Grants can run for up to three years, with the final year to be focused on project evaluation. The 2013 Call for Proposals will open in April 2012, with proposals due October 2012. Proposals will be reviewed by a technical panel in January 2013, and the Western SARE Administrative Council will select proposals for funding in March 2013.
3. Farmer/Rancher Grants
These one- to three-year grants are conducted by agricultural producers with support and guidance from a technical advisor. Individual farmers or ranchers may apply for up to $15,000, and a group of three or more producers may apply for up to $25,000. Producers typically use their grants to conduct on-site experiments that can improve their operations and the environment and can be shared with other producers. Grant recipients may also focus on marketing and organic production. The 2013 Call for Proposals will open in April 2012, with proposals due in December 2012. A technical review will be held in January 2013, and proposals will be selected for funding in March 2013.
4. Professional + Producer Grants
These one- to three-year grants are similar in concept to the Farmer/Rancher Grants with a few key differences. Instead of a producer serving as the project coordinator, an agricultural professional – Cooperative Extension educator or Natural Resources Conservation Service professional, for example – coordinates the project. A farmer or rancher serves as the project advisor. Applicants can seek up to $50,000 and must have at least five producers involved. The Call for Proposals for Professional + Producer Grants will open in April 2012, with proposals due in December 2012. A technical review will be held in January 2013, and proposals will be selected for funding in March 2013.
5. Graduate Student Grants in Sustainable Agriculture
The Graduate Student Grants provide a maximum of $25,000 and may last for up to two years. These funds are eligible for masters or Ph.D. students enrolled full time (as determined by the institution’s requirements) at accredited colleges or universities in the Western region. The graduate student is eligible for only one grant during his or her graduate program. The PI for these grants is the Major Professor, not the graduate student; however the graduate student is welcome to be the one who applies on-line. Proposals are due in May 2012, after which they are reviewed by a technical review panel in July 2012. The Western SARE Administrative Council selects proposals for funding in August 2012, and award notifications are made that September. The amount of targeted funds for these grants has doubled this year due to the rise in qualified proposals submitted over the years that Western SARE was not able to fund due to budget restraints.
SARE Availible Grants
Available Grants
R & E Cooperative Project
Application Window is Currently Closed(Open: 08/12/2013 - 11/06/2013)
LOOK FOR UPCOMING RFP
Farmer / Rancher
Application Window is Currently Closed(Open: 04/15/2013 - 12/04/2013)
Professional + Producer
Application Window is Currently Closed(Open: 04/15/2013 - 12/04/2013)
Graduate Student
Application Window is Currently Closed(Open: 04/15/2013 - 05/22/2013)
Professional Development Program
Application Window is Currently Closed(Open: 04/15/2013 - 10/30/2013)
SARE
Sustainable Agriculture Research And Education
Sustainability is here to stay or we may not be.
Welcome to Western SARE
SARE - noun (as used in a practical agricultural context)- Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
- A funding program of USDA
- Competitive grants for research and education
- The link between agricultural producers and professionals
Western SARE is located at Utah State University in Logan, Utah and services the Western United States and Island protectorates, thereby being the largest region in the SARE program.
If you have a project or idea that could improve the sustainability of agricultural operations in your sphere of influence, you have come to the right place.
Western Region SARE, Utah State University © 2013
Contact Us | ph 435.797.2257 | fax 435.797.3344
Western SARE engenders change through competitive grants
Contact Us | ph 435.797.2257 | fax 435.797.3344Western SARE engenders change through competitive grants
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
NRCS accepts applications for Conservation Innovation Grants
News Release
Media Contact: Sarah Maxwell 202-720-0693 CIG Information Contact: Gregorio Cruz 703-235-8065 WASHINGTON, February 25, 2013 – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide up to $25 million in grants to help develop and demonstrate cutting-edge ideas to improve conservation on private lands. Conservation Innovation Grants are available for state and local governments, federally recognized Indian Tribes, non-governmental and educational organizations, private businesses and individuals with applications due Friday, March 22. Of particular interest are applications for innovative demonstration partnerships on energy conservation, nutrient management, soil health, wildlife habitat and adaptive management. “These grants are critical for developing and demonstrating out-of-the-box ideas for conservation on America’s private lands and strengthening rural communities,” NRCS Acting Chief Jason Weller said. “They inspire creative problem-solving that boosts the production of our farmers and ranchers and ultimately improves our water, air and soil.” NRCS has offered this grant program since 2004, investing in ways to demonstrate and transfer efficient and environmentally friendly farming and ranching. In the past eight years, the grants have helped develop trading markets for water quality and have shown precise ways to farm that use fertilizer, water and energy more efficiently. The grants are funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and are awarded through a competitive process. At least 50 percent of the total cost of CIG projects must come from non-federal matching funds, including cash and in-kind contributions provided by the grant recipient. For more on this grant opportunity, visit http://go.usa.gov/4Kvx. To apply electronically, visit http://www.grants.gov or contact a local NRCS office. ### USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service helps America’s farmers and ranchers conserve the Nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. All programs are voluntary and offer science-based solutions that benefit both the landowner and the environment. Follow NRCS on Twitter. Checkout other conservation-related stories on USDA Blog. Watch videos on NRCS’ YouTube channel. ### USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).
Media Contact: Sarah Maxwell 202-720-0693 CIG Information Contact: Gregorio Cruz 703-235-8065 WASHINGTON, February 25, 2013 – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide up to $25 million in grants to help develop and demonstrate cutting-edge ideas to improve conservation on private lands. Conservation Innovation Grants are available for state and local governments, federally recognized Indian Tribes, non-governmental and educational organizations, private businesses and individuals with applications due Friday, March 22. Of particular interest are applications for innovative demonstration partnerships on energy conservation, nutrient management, soil health, wildlife habitat and adaptive management. “These grants are critical for developing and demonstrating out-of-the-box ideas for conservation on America’s private lands and strengthening rural communities,” NRCS Acting Chief Jason Weller said. “They inspire creative problem-solving that boosts the production of our farmers and ranchers and ultimately improves our water, air and soil.” NRCS has offered this grant program since 2004, investing in ways to demonstrate and transfer efficient and environmentally friendly farming and ranching. In the past eight years, the grants have helped develop trading markets for water quality and have shown precise ways to farm that use fertilizer, water and energy more efficiently. The grants are funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and are awarded through a competitive process. At least 50 percent of the total cost of CIG projects must come from non-federal matching funds, including cash and in-kind contributions provided by the grant recipient. For more on this grant opportunity, visit http://go.usa.gov/4Kvx. To apply electronically, visit http://www.grants.gov or contact a local NRCS office. ### USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service helps America’s farmers and ranchers conserve the Nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. All programs are voluntary and offer science-based solutions that benefit both the landowner and the environment. Follow NRCS on Twitter. Checkout other conservation-related stories on USDA Blog. Watch videos on NRCS’ YouTube channel. ### USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).
SB373 – Direct Farm to Consumer Food Sales
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THE SENATE
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S.B. NO.
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373
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TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013
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STATE OF HAWAII
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to Direct sales from farm to consumer.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the
sales of locally produced foods comprise a growing part of agricultural sales
in the United States. The United States Department of Agriculture estimates
that in 2008, local food sales totaled approximately $4,800,000,000.
The number of small farms in Hawaii has grown
substantially during the last ten years, reflecting a changing agricultural model
from plantations to smaller farms with diverse cropping and marketing systems
that create new sources for agricultural products, including food and value-added
products using Hawaii-grown agriculture.
The purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Exempt producers of Hawaii-grown agricultural
products from department of health rules if selling unprocessed Hawaii-grown
agricultural products directly to consumers; and
(2) Allow producers of value-added products to sell
directly to consumers if certain requirements are met.
SECTION 2. Chapter 328, Hawaii Revised
Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and
to read as follows:
"§328- Hawaii-grown
agricultural products; value-added products; exemption (a) Producers
of Hawaii-grown agricultural products shall be exempt from department rules if selling
unprocessed Hawaii-grown agricultural products directly to consumers.
(b) Producers of value-added products
produced using Hawaii-grown agricultural products may sell directly to
consumers if the value-added products are processed in a department certified
food-processing establishment according to department guidelines."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its
approval.
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INTRODUCED BY:
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_____________________________
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Report Title:
Hawaii-grown Agricultural Products; Value-added Products;
Department of Health
Description:
Exempts producers of unprocessed Hawaii-grown agricultural
products from department of health rules if selling unprocessed Hawaii-grown
agricultural products directly to consumers. Allows producers of value-added
products to sell directly to consumers if certain requirements are met.
The
summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational
purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
Family Farm Income Tax Break” (SB363)
THE SENATE
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S.B. NO.
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363
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TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013
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STATE OF HAWAII
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to FARMS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii
imports far more goods and services than it exports. Thus, Hawaii has a significant
negative trade flow. Hawaii makes up for this negative trade flow by relying
on tourism and military expenditures; however, this reliance on external
sources of revenue may not be sustainable in the long run.
The legislature also finds that the two largest
trade imbalances are in the areas of energy and agriculture. Over the past few
years, Hawaii has been addressing its over-reliance on imported fossil fuel.
Hawaii needs to address the imbalance in agricultural trade and significantly expand
food production in the State.
The legislature further finds that the growth
of small, diversified farming businesses will add to and diversify Hawaii's
economy and help redress the imbalance in agricultural trade. The State should
therefore encourage and support the growth of new, small, and diversified
farming businesses by creating a tax exemption on the first $50,000 of income
for such businesses. A partial tax exemption for such businesses will not significantly
affect existing tax revenue collected by the State, but will strengthen the state
economy and improve the long-term economic well-being of the State as a whole.
SECTION 2. Section 235-7, Hawaii Revised
Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
"(a) There shall be excluded from gross
income, adjusted gross income, and taxable income:
(1) Income not subject to taxation by the State under
the Constitution and laws of the United States;
(2) Rights, benefits, and other income exempted from
taxation by section 88-91, having to do with the state retirement system, and
the rights, benefits, and other income, comparable to the rights, benefits, and
other income exempted by section 88-91, under any other public retirement system;
(3) Any compensation received in the form of a
pension for past services;
(4) Compensation paid to a patient affected with
Hansen's disease employed by the State or the United States in any hospital,
settlement, or place for the treatment of Hansen's disease;
(5) Except as otherwise expressly provided, payments
made by the United States or this State, under an act of Congress or a law of
this State, which by express provision or administrative regulation or
interpretation are exempt from both the normal and surtaxes of the United
States, even though not so exempted by the Internal Revenue Code itself;
(6) Any income expressly exempted or excluded from
the measure of the tax imposed by this chapter by any other law of the State,
it being the intent of this chapter not to repeal or supersede any express
exemption or exclusion;
(7) Income received by each member of the reserve
components of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard of the
United States of America, and the Hawaii national guard as compensation for
performance of duty, equivalent to pay received for forty-eight drills
(equivalent of twelve weekends) and fifteen days of annual duty, at an:
(A) E-1 pay grade after eight years of
service; provided that this subparagraph shall apply to taxable years beginning
after December 31, 2004;
(B) E-2 pay grade after eight years of
service; provided that this subparagraph shall apply to taxable years beginning
after December 31, 2005;
(C) E-3 pay grade after eight years of service;
provided that this subparagraph shall apply to taxable years beginning after
December 31, 2006;
(D) E-4 pay grade after eight years of
service; provided that this subparagraph shall apply to taxable years beginning
after December 31, 2007; and
(E) E-5 pay grade after eight years of
service; provided that this subparagraph shall apply to taxable years beginning
after December 31, 2008;
(8) Income derived from the operation of ships or
aircraft if the income is exempt under the Internal Revenue Code pursuant to
the provisions of an income tax treaty or agreement entered into by and between
the United States and a foreign country; provided that the tax laws of the
local governments of that country reciprocally exempt from the application of
all of their net income taxes, the income derived from the operation of ships
or aircraft that are documented or registered under the laws of the United
States;
(9) The value of legal services provided by a legal
service plan to a taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and the taxpayer's
dependents;
(10) Amounts paid, directly or indirectly, by a legal
service plan to a taxpayer as payment or reimbursement for the provision of
legal services to the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse, and the taxpayer's
dependents;
(11) Contributions by an employer to a legal service
plan for compensation (through insurance or otherwise) to the employer's
employees for the costs of legal services incurred by the employer's employees,
their spouses, and their dependents;
(12) Amounts received in the form of a monthly
surcharge by a utility acting on behalf of an affected utility under section
269-16.3; provided that amounts retained by the acting utility for collection
or other costs shall not be included in this exemption;
(13) Amounts received in the form of a cable surcharge
by an electric utility company acting on behalf of a certified cable company
under section 269-134; provided that any amounts retained by that electric
utility company for collection or other costs shall not be included in this
exemption; [and]
(14) One hundred per cent of the gain realized by a
fee simple owner from the sale of a leased fee interest in units within a
condominium project, cooperative project, or planned unit development to the
association of owners under chapter 514A or 514B, or the residential
cooperative corporation of the leasehold units.
For purposes of this paragraph:
"Fee simple owner" shall have
the same meaning as provided under section 516-1; provided that it shall
include legal and equitable owners;
"Legal and equitable owner", and
"leased fee interest" shall have the same meanings as provided under
section 516-1; and
"Condominium project" and
"cooperative project" shall have the same meanings as provided under
section 514C-1[.]; and
(15) The first $50,000 of income received by
a family farm, family farm community, or family farm cooperative.
For purposes of this paragraph:
"Family farm" means a farm
owned or leased by an individual or family receiving more than seventy-five per
cent of its annual gross income from food production sold for consumption
within the State, whether the food is sold directly to consumers or indirectly
through a family farm cooperative.
"Family farm community"
means a parcel of land of between five hundred and five thousand acres that is
subdivided into individual family farms.
"Family farm cooperative"
means an association of family farms within a family farm community created to
process or market agricultural produce."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is
bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act, upon its approval, shall apply to
taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012; provided that the amendments made
to section 235-7(a), Hawaii Revised Statutes, by section 2 of this Act shall
not be repealed when
that section is reenacted on January 1, 2018, pursuant to section
5 of Act 220, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012.
INTRODUCED BY:
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Report Title:
Economic Diversification; Agriculture; Family Farm; Family
Farm Community; Family Farm Cooperative; Tax Exemption
Description:
Creates an income tax exemption on the first $50,000 of
income for family farms, family farm communities, and family farm cooperatives.
The
summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational
purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
S.B. 380 Higher Education; Learning Center; Appropriation
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THE SENATE
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S.B. NO.
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380
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TWENTY-SEVENTH LEGISLATURE, 2013
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STATE OF HAWAII
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to higher education.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the
college of agriculture, forestry, and natural resource management of the
University of Hawaii at Hilo should pursue a higher education learning center
project in the district of Puna, Hawaii. The project will lead to improved
employment and entrepreneurial activities in the district. The project will
also identify educational and training needs in the district and design a
business incubator approach to support job growth in the district. Initial
focus will be on outreach to increase agricultural production and processed
products for local markets utilizing emerging engineering programs and may be
expanded to other training and educational support systems to develop the local
workforce and entrepreneurs. This pilot project may serve as a replicable
model for higher learning centers that can be extended to other rural areas of
the State.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the
general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $
or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2013-2014 and the same
sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014-2015 for an
outreach program under the college of agriculture, forestry, and natural
resource management of the University of Hawaii at Hilo utilizing temporary or
contract hires to perform a needs assessment for the higher education learning
center project described in section 1 of this Act that includes an assessment
of the existing educational resources and facilities that can be networked to
provide educational and training options.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the University
of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July
1, 2013.
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INTRODUCED BY:
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_____________________________
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Report Title:
Higher Education; Learning Center; Appropriation
Description:
Provides funding for an outreach program to conduct a
needs assessment for a potential learning center project in Puna under the
college of agriculture, forestry, and natural resource management of the
University of Hawaii at Hilo.
The
summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational
purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Hawaii State Department of Education Awards $1 Million
Hawaii State Department of Education Awards $1 Million to
Recognize Schools for Exceptional Achievement“Strive HI” Awards
represent one-time grants to 32 schools to reward progress, excellence
HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) today
honored 32 schools for extraordinary achievements at the first annual
Strive HI Awards ceremony. The awards ranging from $12,500 to $100,000
recognize schools for significant academic progress for two consecutive
years and represent a one-time grant to further improvement efforts.The ceremony was held this morning at King Intermediate School, one of the high-achieving schools. The Strive HI Awards were presented by Governor Neil Abercrombie, Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi and Schools Deputy Superintendent Ronn Nozoe.
“We are proud to be able to financially recognize the hard work of the teachers, students and staff of these schools,” Supt. Kathryn Matayoshi said. “The Strive HI Awards reflect that the department is not only focused on intervention in current priority schools, but also encourages other schools across the islands to keep striving high.”
The following schools earned the highest single awards of $100,000 for exiting “restructuring” – a sanction under the No Child Left Behind law – by meeting annual progress goals for two consecutive years:
- Hilo Intermediate School
- King Intermediate School
- Moanalua Middle School
- Halau Ku Mana Public Charter School (Oahu)
- Waters of Life Public Charter School (Hawaii Island)
“I want to congratulate the principals, teachers, staff, and students at these Strive HI schools for leading the charge in transforming our public education system,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “They are setting an excellent example by showing what can be achieved when everyone strives higher toward a common goal.”
The Strive HI Awards also celebrated schools that ranked in the top 5 percent in the state for reading or math growth, providing grants of $12,500 for each subject area – or $25,000 for schools reaching the mark in both subjects. These high-performing schools are boosting student reading and/or math proficiency at the fastest pace among all Hawaii public schools.
On top of exiting restructuring, Nanakuli won an extra $25,000 for finishing in the top 5 percent in both reading and math growth, bringing its total award to $75,000. Parker, which also left restructuring, earned an additional $12,500 for ranking in the top 5 percent in math, for a combined award of $62,500.
Four other schools also finished in the top 5 percent in both categories and earned $25,000: Thomas Jefferson Elementary on Oahu, King Kekaulike on Maui and Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate and Keaau High on Hawaii Island.
Schools receiving $12,500 each include:
- Aliamanu Elementary (Math)
· Haaheo Elementary (Math)
· Haleiwa Elementary (Reading)
· Hokulani Elementary (Reading)
· James Campbell High (Math)
· Kahakai Elementary (Math)
· Kanoelani Elementary (Math)
· Kanuikapono Learning Center Public Charter School (Reading)
· Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino (Reading)
· Keaau Middle (Math)
· Kealakehe High (Math)
· Kilohana Elementary (Math)
· King William Lunalilo Elementary (Math)
· Kohala High (Reading)
· Kula Kaiapuni O Anuenue (Reading)
· Lanakila Elementary (Math)
· Manoa Elementary (Reading)
· Maunawili Elementary (Reading)
· Pahoa High & Intermediate (Math)
· Red Hill Elementary (Reading)
· William P. Jarrett Middle (Reading)The award money must be used for upgrades at the schools, which could include the purchase of technology infrastructure, musical instruments, science lab and equipment, as well as other academic/financial plan-approved expenditures.
The DOE’s “Strive HI” campaign reflects the department’s commitment to transform public education in the 50th state by preparing students for success, leading education transformation and building a brighter future.
Strive HI award funds are part of the state’s Race to the Top (RTTT) federal grant received in 2010. U.S. education officials recently removed Hawaii from the RTTT “high-risk” status for progress in two specific areas, which cover standards, assessments, and data system development and use. Next year’s Strive HI Awards will be based on each school’s performance under the state’s new accountability system metrics that go into effect in the 2013-14 school year.
Donalyn Dela Cruz
Director of Communications
Phone: (808) 586-3232
E-mail: donalyn_dela_cruz@notes.k12.hi.us
CONNECT WITH HIDOE
» Website: HawaiiDOE.org
Congratulations to Keaau Middle School and Pahoa High
Congratulations to Keaau Middle School and Pahoa High & Intermediate School for their $12,500 awards for ranking in the top 5 percent in the state for reading or math growth as part of the No Child Left Behind testing!
Comments
Congratulations to Keaau Middle School and Pahoa High & Intermediate School for their $12,500 awards for ranking in the top 5 percent in the state for reading or math growth as part of the No Child Left Behind testing.
Well done!
From the office of the Governor;
Hawaii State Department of Education Awards $1 Million to Recognize Schools for Exceptional Achievement“Strive HI” Awards represent one-time grants to 32 schools to reward progress, excellence
HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE) today honored 32 schools for extraordinary achievements at the first annual Strive HI Awards ceremony. The awards ranging from $12,500 to $100,000 recognize schools for significant academic progress for two consecutive years and represent a one-time grant to further improvement efforts.
The ceremony was held this morning at King Intermediate School, one of the high-achieving schools. The Strive HI Awards were presented by Governor Neil Abercrombie, Schools Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi and Schools Deputy Superintendent Ronn Nozoe.
“We are proud to be able to financially recognize the hard work of the teachers, students and staff of these schools,” Supt. Kathryn Matayoshi said. “The Strive HI Awards reflect that the department is not only focused on intervention in current priority schools, but also encourages other schools across the islands to keep striving high.”
The following schools earned the highest single awards of $100,000 for exiting “restructuring” – a sanction under the No Child Left Behind law – by meeting annual progress goals for two consecutive years:
Hilo Intermediate School
King Intermediate School
Moanalua Middle School
Halau Ku Mana Public Charter School (Oahu)
Waters of Life Public Charter School (Hawaii Island)
Awards of $50,000 were given to two elementary schools exiting restructuring, Benjamin Parker and Nanakuli.
“I want to congratulate the principals, teachers, staff, and students at these Strive HI schools for leading the charge in transforming our public education system,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “They are setting an excellent example by showing what can be achieved when everyone strives higher toward a common goal.”
The Strive HI Awards also celebrated schools that ranked in the top 5 percent in the state for reading or math growth, providing grants of $12,500 for each subject area – or $25,000 for schools reaching the mark in both subjects. These high-performing schools are boosting student reading and/or math proficiency at the fastest pace among all Hawaii public schools.
On top of exiting restructuring, Nanakuli won an extra $25,000 for finishing in the top 5 percent in both reading and math growth, bringing its total award to $75,000. Parker, which also left restructuring, earned an additional $12,500 for ranking in the top 5 percent in math, for a combined award of $62,500.
Four other schools also finished in the top 5 percent in both categories and earned $25,000: Thomas Jefferson Elementary on Oahu, King Kekaulike on Maui and Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate and Keaau High on Hawaii Island.
Schools receiving $12,500 each include:
Aliamanu Elementary (Math)
· Haaheo Elementary (Math)
· Haleiwa Elementary (Reading)
· Hokulani Elementary (Reading)
· James Campbell High (Math)
· Kahakai Elementary (Math)
· Kanoelani Elementary (Math)
· Kanuikapono Learning Center Public Charter School (Reading)
· Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino (Reading)
· Keaau Middle (Math)
· Kealakehe High (Math)
· Kilohana Elementary (Math)
· King William Lunalilo Elementary (Math)
· Kohala High (Reading)
· Kula Kaiapuni O Anuenue (Reading)
· Lanakila Elementary (Math)
· Manoa Elementary (Reading)
· Maunawili Elementary (Reading)
· Pahoa High & Intermediate (Math)
· Red Hill Elementary (Reading)
· William P. Jarrett Middle (Reading)The award money must be used for upgrades at the schools, which could include the purchase of technology infrastructure, musical instruments, science lab and equipment, as well as other academic/financial plan-approved expenditures.
“Receiving recognition for the work that we, as educators, goes a long way,” said King Intermediate Principal Sheena Alaiasa. “We believe in educating our future, we believe in our talents and abilities to teach, and more importantly, we believe in our children. To have this honor bestowed upon our school is affirmation that we are on the right track and that we have made a difference.”
The DOE’s “Strive HI” campaign reflects the department’s commitment to transform public education in the 50th state by preparing students for success, leading education transformation and building a brighter future.
Strive HI award funds are part of the state’s Race to the Top (RTTT) federal grant received in 2010. U.S. education officials recently removed Hawaii from the RTTT “high-risk” status for progress in two specific areas, which cover standards, assessments, and data system development and use. Next year’s Strive HI Awards will be based on each school’s performance under the state’s new accountability system metrics that go into effect in the 2013-14 school year.
Donalyn Dela Cruz
Director of Communications
###
This entry was posted in Hawaii State Senate - 27th Legislative Session on March 4, 2013 by senrudermansoffice.
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