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SB517
THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
517
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to agriculture
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION 1.
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The legislature finds that soil health is a
critical element of sustainable crop production, as soil can directly influence
biological and microbial activity that supports agricultural systems.
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In the agricultural sector, soil health and
quality can be negatively impacted by certain practices, such as the excessive
use of chemical fertilizers that deplete essential microbiological
nutrients.
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Soil degradation can be
further exacerbated by soil compaction, poor aggregation, high pathogen
pressure, and heavy metal contamination, which can lead to reduced crop yields,
increased disease susceptibility, and greater reliance on intensive
agricultural practices that can further harm the environment.
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To
prevent soil degradation, algae-based fertilizers have been proven to protect
soil while replenishing key nutrients needed for agricultural activities.
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Microbial algae-based fertilizers are rich in
organic compounds, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, and trace elements that
improve soil aeration, increase water retention, suppress harmful pathogens,
and boost overall agricultural fertility.
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Emerging research has demonstrated that specific types of microalgae and
seaweeds offer promising solutions to improve soil health as a stimulant for
nutrient cycling.
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Additionally,
microbial algae products do not contain synthetic chemicals, which can harm
both natural physical environments and critical water resources.
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The incorporation of microbial algae-based
fertilizers is a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the State's
agricultural industry.
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The
legislature recognizes that the agricultural industry remains a critical state
priority.
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As the State seeks to increase
its food resiliency and self-sufficiency while promoting local produce and
agricultural products, ensuring the overall health of soil is imperative to
achieve this goal.
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Further, as the
agricultural industry continues to innovate methods suited for the State's unique
natural environment, recent developments, including microbial algae soil
products, can provide low-risk opportunities to test new practices.
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By testing alternative agricultural methods in
farms statewide, the agricultural industry can continue to grow while ensuring
the safety of local produce and products for consumption.
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Therefore,
the purpose of this Act is to:
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(1)
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Establish the microbial algae soil
products pilot program; and
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(2)
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Establish the microbial algae soil products
pilot program special fund.
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SECTION
2.
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Chapter 141, Hawaii Revised Statutes,
is amended by adding two new sections to part I to be appropriately designated
and to read as follows:
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"
�141-A
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Microbial algae soil products pilot program.
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(a)
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There is established the microbial
algae soil products pilot program to be administered by the department of
agriculture to introduce microbial algae on agricultural lands in the State to
address agricultural soil health while improving nutrient cycling, reducing
fertilizer dependency, and enhancing overall soil health.
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(b)
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Farmers shall be eligible for participation
in the microbial algae soil products pilot program if the farmer:
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(1)
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Operates a small to medium-sized
farm of not less than ten acres; provided that farmers operating larger farms
may participate if the total farm size does not exceed one hundred acres;
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(2)
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Has stable or moderate production
rates among all crops produced on the farm;
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(3)
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Experiences yield reduction, poor
soil health or nutrient management, or excessive fertilizer use that impacts
the overall quality of soil;
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(4)
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Produces high-value crops or a
diverse variety of crops; and
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(5)
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Operates an organic farm.
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The
department of agriculture may establish additional criteria for eligibility to
participate in the microbial algae soil products pilot program.
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(c)
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The department of agriculture shall
collaborate with the college of tropical agriculture and human resources of the
university of Hawaii and laboratories at the university of Hawaii engaged in the
study of soil sciences.
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The department of
agriculture may collaborate with other departments, laboratories, or units at
the university of Hawaii whose expertise is relevant to the microbial algae
soil products pilot program.
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(d)
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The department of agriculture may adopt rules
pursuant to chapter 91 to implement and administer the microbial algae soil
products pilot program.
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(e)
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The department of agriculture shall submit a
report of its findings and recommendations for long-term application of
microbial algae soil products to the State's agricultural sector, including any
proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the
convening of the regular sessions of
2026 and 2027.
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�141-B
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Microbial algae soil products pilot
program special fund.
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There is established within the state
treasury the microbial algae soil products pilot program special fund, to be
administered by the
department of agriculture
, into which shall be deposited all moneys appropriated by the
legislature to the special fund, including gifts, donations, grants, or other
proceeds collected by the department for the pilot program.
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Moneys in the special fund shall be used for
the administration of the microbial algae soil products pilot program
established pursuant to section 141-A.
"
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SECTION
3
.
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There
is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,500,000
or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026
and the
same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027
to be deposited into the microbial algae soil products pilot program special
fund.
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SECTION
4
.
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There
is appropriated out of the microbial algae soil products pilot program special
fund the sum of $1,500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal
year 2025-2026
and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary
for fiscal year 2026-2027
for:
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(1)
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Data collection and analysis of soil
from participating farms;
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(2)
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Soil testing, bacterial counts, water
retention, and crop yielding from participating farms;
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(3)
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Equipment, algae-based products, and
farming supplies necessary to carry out the microbial algae soil products pilot
program;
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(4)
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Educational outreach, including
materials and informational seminars to recruit prospective farmers to the
microbial algae soil products pilot program and education for the broader
community; and
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(5)
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The establishment of
full-time equivalent ( FTE) positions to
effectuate the purposes of the microbial algae soil products pilot program.
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The
sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the
purposes of this Act.
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SECTION
5.
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The microbial algae soil products
pilot program special fund established pursuant to section 141-B, Hawaii Revised
Statutes, shall be abolished and repealed on June 30, 2027, and any
unencumbered remaining balances shall lapse to the general fund.
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SECTION 6.
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In codifying the new sections added by section 2 of this Act, the
revisor of statutes shall substitute appropriate section numbers for the
letters used in designating the new sections in this Act.
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SECTION
7.
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New statutory material is
underscored.
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SECTION
8.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1,
2025.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
DOA; UH;
CTAHR; Microbial Algae Soil Products Pilot Program; Microbial Algae Soil
Products Pilot Program Special Fund; Rules; Reports; Appropriations
Description:
Establishes
a Microbial Algae Soil Products Pilot Program within the Department of
Agriculture in collaboration with the University of Hawaii College of Tropical
Agriculture and Human Resources and other relevant stakeholders.
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Establishes the Microbial Algae Soil Products
Pilot Program Special Fund.
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Authorizes
the Department of Agriculture to adopt administrative rules.
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Requires reports to the Legislature.
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Appropriates funds.
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