Pineapple and sugarcane may no longer get top billing in the Hawai’i State Planning Act.
The act became law in 1978, and serves as the guiding document for all state agencies.
House Bill 305 would amend the act, removing language that lists the “viability” of pineapple and sugarcane industries as a top priority for the state.
Brian Miyamoto, the executive director of the Hawaiʿi Farm Bureau, testified in support of the bill and said the update to the state's planning act was long overdue.
Miyamoto said that while both sugar and pineapple are still grown in Hawai'i, neither ranks in the top 20 of the state's most valuable commodities. "We do have a more diversified agriculture, so it is about time to update the plan," he said.
The House Committee on Agriculture and Food Systems voted to pass the bill with amendments. The Legislature has also shown support for other diversified ag crops this session, including kalo and māmaki tea.
