Bill Backing Maui Grown Coffee Advances

MauiGrown Coffee. Courtesy image.

The Senate Committee on Agriculture and Environment passed House Bill 1230, a measure introduced by representative Angus McKelvey (10th District, West Maui, Māʻalaea, and North Kīhei).

The bill authorizes a Special Purpose Revenue Bond to assist Maui Grown Coffee, Inc. in expanding its operations by leasing land for growing and cultivating coffee. It is designed to support the growing coffee industry on Maui while also providing potential employment opportunities for workers affected by layoffs as a result of the cessation of sugar production.

“We are now one step closer to revitalizing Maui’s agricultural sector while supporting the success of locally grown coffee,” said McKelvey. “Coffee is one of the most popular commodities in the world, and Hawaiian coffee has earned an excellent reputation in recent years. Maui Grown Coffee has played a substantial role in establishing that growing popularity. This measure builds on that success while also providing a way to ease the plight of displaced former workers in the sugar industry.”

Having passed the Committee on Agriculture and Environment, HB 1230 will now move on to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.