THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1488
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to livestock.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that maintaining an economically viable and animal-safe interisland ocean transportation system is essential to food sustainability in Hawaii. Because beef cattle slaughter facilities are limited statewide, many producers pursue ocean transport to gain access to available facilities on other islands. Although air transportation always remains an option, it is often cost prohibitive and also limited by air carrier weight and size restrictions. Thus, ocean transportation is and remains of vital importance to the local cattle industry and to consumers of beef cattle throughout the State.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

(1) Require the University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources, in consultation with livestock industry stakeholders, to study and assess the effects of heat stress on beef cattle during interisland ocean transportation; and

(2) Appropriate funds to conduct the study.

SECTION 2. (a) The University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources shall conduct a study to assess the effects of heat stress on beef cattle during interisland ocean transportation. The study shall evaluate:

(1) The core body temperatures and blood biomarkers relating to stress of grass-fed market and cull cattle before, during, and after interisland ocean transport;

(2) The environmental conditions inside shipping devices during interisland ocean transport; and

(3) Carcass quality and animal performance measurements after interisland ocean transport.

(b) The results of the study shall inform potential future legislation relating to beef cattle interisland ocean transportation and the safety of people, animals, and the environment.

(c) In conducting the study, the University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources may request assistance and feedback from the department of agriculture or any other department it deems appropriate, to provide expertise to assist the beef cattle interisland ocean transportation study. The college shall further consult with livestock industry stakeholders, who are encouraged to cooperate and provide information or input.

(d) The University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources shall report its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2025.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $62,500 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources to conduct the beef cattle interisland ocean transportation study.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources; Beef Cattle Interisland Ocean Transportation Study; Livestock; Appropriation

Description:

Requires the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, in consultation with livestock industry stakeholders, to conduct a study to assess the effects of heat stress on beef cattle during interisland ocean transportation. Appropriates funds.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.