Panel backs bill to allow hemp‑derived animal feed ingredients, with built‑in rulemaking safeguards

The committee voted to pass Senate Bill 2102 SD2 after proponents said the measure would enable Hawaii farmers to supply hemp‑derived feed ingredients and create local value‑chain opportunities.

Julia Park, founder of Hawaii Fibers, and Ben Draper of Hemp Paper Company told the committee industrial hemp feed ingredients such as hemp seed meal and hemp seed oil are established in animal nutrition and can be grown in Hawaii. "This bill is one step towards changing that," Draper said, arguing the HD1 amendment preserves Hawaii’s authority to adopt rules while allowing the department to act when federal approvals are in place.

Proponents noted that the Association of American Feed Control Officials has already approved one hemp feed ingredient for laying hens and that the HD1 language restricts immediate authorizations to pets, specialty pets and horses, with livestock to be added only after department rulemaking and safety review. Draper said the bill includes a voluntary advisory council and provisions to encourage local research and partnerships.

Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity raised concerns about tying state law to future federal decisions and suggested careful drafting; the HD1 amendment was represented as addressing those delegation concerns while providing a clear path for rulemaking.

Committee members asked about market infrastructure, federal approvals and timetables. Witnesses described pilot plots and grants supporting local trials and urged the Legislature to provide a legal framework so Hawaii producers can develop processing and sales channels.

The committee passed the bill with amendments and directed technical fixes and prospective effective dates; the department will proceed with rulemaking steps identified in the HD1 language.