Senate committees holding briefing on effects of federal tariffs, cuts on Hawaiʻi’s agriculture

The Hawaiʻi Senate Committee on Judiciary and the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment are holding an informational briefing about the impacts of recent federal policy changes, tariffs and funding cuts on the state’s agriculture industry and food production availability.

“The Judiciary Committee is looking to hear from industry and department experts in agriculture and biosecurity for a clearer understanding of the local impacts from the administration’s recent policy changes,” said Sen. Karl Rhoads, chair of the Committee on Judiciary, in a press release.

He added: “Hawaiʻi’s agriculture and food industries are externally dependent and could see serious impacts from federal decisions.”

The hearing will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. in Conference Room 16 of the Hawaiʻi State Capitol in Honolulu. It also will be shown via videoconference.

Sen. Mike Gabbard, chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment, said: “Our goal is to ensure that local farmers, ranchers and the agricultural community have an opportunity to discuss on-the-ground effects of the changes we are continuing to see federally.”

The impacts include increased costs due to tariffs and uncertainty around federal support.

“These impacts are immediate,” Gabbard said. “We need to listen, understand and advocate for policies that strengthen Hawai‘i’s food security and protect our agricultural future.”

The hearing’s agenda includes an overview Brian Miyamoto, executive director of the Hawaiʿi Farm Bureau.

It also includes presentations by Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture & Biosecurity; Amanda Shaw, director of food systems with the Oʻahu Resource Conservation &  Development Council; Suzanne Shriner, administrator of Synergistic Hawaiʻi Agriculture Council; Hunter Heaivilin, advocacy director of the Hawai’i Farmers Union United; and Amy Miller, president and CEO of the Hawaiʻi Foodbank.  

This briefing is part of a series of informational briefings on the rule of law in relation to the recent actions of the Trump Administration and how its decisions are impacting Hawaiʻi.

Information about past and upcoming briefings can be accessed on the Senate Judiciary Committee webpage.