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A bill to allow private farmers to grow and sell industrial hemp through permits from the state Department of Agriculture has unanimously passed the state House of Representatives and now crosses over to the Senate.
Rep. Kaniela Ing of South Maui, who wrote and introduced the bill (HB2555) along with 34 of his colleagues, said that the purpose of this measure goes beyond a single crop.
“Farmers called for the legalization of industrial hemp, and I am ecstatic to help answer that call,” Ing said. “However, industrial hemp is only a part of our necessary vision for renewable, no-burn, diversified agriculture on Maui.”
The bill is the most robust industrial hemp bill being considered by the Legislature this year, and follows models in Kentucky and Colorado to legalize industrial hemp to the full extent as permitted by federal law by requiring all growers to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the state Department of Agriculture.
More than 4,500 people have signed a change.org petition in support of industrial hemp on Maui, and Maui Brewing Co. recently announced its soon-to-be released hemp beer.
Ing said that the measure is part of package of bills to respond to Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co.’s planned cessation of sugar on Maui.
“We must act quickly to prevent a dust bowl, prolonged joblessness or rampant development,” he said. “I am also working to incentivize biofuel crops like sunflowers, form ag parks so new farmers can grow local food like mango and avocado, and extend training assistance to displaced sugar workers.”