THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	3340
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
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 and is a matter of statewide concern. 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 limited by air carrier weight and size restrictions. Thus, ocean transportation remains vitally important to the local cattle industry and to consumers of beef cattle throughout the State.

The purpose of this Act is to 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 transport.

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 transport and to inform potential future legislation relating to beef cattle interisland ocean transport and the safety of people, animals, and the environment. 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) 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 with the beef cattle interisland ocean transport study. The college shall further consult with livestock industry stakeholders, who are encouraged to cooperate and provide information or input.

(c) The university of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources shall submit a report of 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 2026.

SECTION 3. In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $           or       per cent. This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

(1) The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

(2) The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

SECTION 4. 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 2024-2025 for the university of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources to conduct the beef cattle interisland transport study.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

UH; CTAHR; Beef Cattle Interisland Ocean Transportation Study; Livestock; Report; Expenditure Ceiling; 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. Requires a report to the Legislature. Declares that the general fund expenditure ceiling is exceeded. Makes an appropriation.

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