NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Hawai’i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity
Agricultural Loan Division
Chapter 4-8
Chapter 4-61
Hawai’i Administrative Rules
Chapter 4-8 title is amended to address challenges and barriers that agricultural producers face in accessing capital necessary to cover the rising land and water costs, labor shortages and infrastructure needs for farmers, ranchers, and to expand their current operations. The Act 069 (2025) provides for the department to modify the state agricultural loan program to ensure equitable access to capital for farmers of all scales, with a focus on enabling sustainable, community-based and diversified production by small and mid-sized farms is essential to further Hawai?i’s food security, economic resilience and self-sufficiency.
Chapter 4-61 is created to provide rules governing the implementation of the Food Hub Grant Program authorized by Act 313 of 2022. The purpose of the food hub grant program is to provide funds to support the establishment of food hubs. Food hubs provide wider access to institutional and retail markets for small producers and increase consumer access to fresh healthy food.
Description of Proposed Changes:
§4-8-1 “Definitions”:
“Food hub” definition is added
“Import replacement loans” definition is added
“Line of credit” definition is added
§4-8-8 “Letters of decline” requirement is updated to one (1) credit denial from private lenders, members of farm credit systems, and the Farm Service Agency. No denials for certain new farmers
§4-8-12 “Interest rates” are updated to a flat rate of four (4) per cent for most qualified Classes and three (3) per cent for new farmers and others specified loan classes. Interest and conditions for emergency loans will be determined by the Department of Agriculture board.
§4-8-13 “Collateral” procedures are updated to change farmers home administration to Farm Service Agency.
§4-8-20 “Line of credit loans” rules, procedure and definitions have been added. Line of credit loans will provide agricultural producers with liquidity to cover working capital and operational needs with credit that can be secured by sufficient crops, livestock, facility assets and/or credit.
§4-8-21 “Subchapter 3” is deleted since the North Kohala Loan and Grant program is no longer active.
§4-61-1 to 4-61-10 Establish rules governing the food hub grant program including
eligibility, application and grant review process, and maximum grant amount of $100,000.
Hybrid Public Hearing Date and Time:
In-person March 9, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity Conference Room,
1428 S. King St., Honolulu, Hawai’i 96814.
Via Zoom, Meeting ID: 873 9379 2913. Access to the zoom link for the hearing: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87393792913
Copies of the proposed rules may be reviewed by accessing the department’s website:
Chapter 4-8: https://dab.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/HAR-4- 8-Rules-Changes-2025.9.22-fin.pdf
Chapter 4-61: https://dab.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/HAR- 4-61-rule-changes.pdf
or in person at any Department of Agriculture & Biosecurity Office.
All interested parties are urged to attend the hearing and to submit comments orally or in writing. Those persons desiring to submit written testimony may do so prior to the public hearing via postal mail to the Agricultural Loan Division at
1428 S. King Street, Honolulu, HI 96814, via FAX at (808) 973-9455 or via e-mail dab.agloan@hawaii.gov. Please include the word “testimony” and the subject matter when submitting testimony by e-mail. If possible, submit 5 written copies of the testimony to staff prior to the meeting. Those persons desiring to present oral testimony at the public hearing are asked to register with staff prior to the convening of the hearing. Written testimony will be accepted up to 11:59 PM, March 6, 2026. Attendance at the public hearing is not necessary to submit testimony.
Special accommodations, such as sign language interpretation, large printing, taped materials, and accessible parking, can be provided if requested at least ten (10) business days prior to the scheduled hearing. This request may be made in writing to the Agricultural Loan Division at 1428 S. King Street, Honolulu, HI 96814 or by calling (808) 973-9460.
Sharon Hurd
Chairperson, Board of Agriculture and Biosecurity
(SA/HTH/WHT/TGI1517186 1/29/26)
