[§141-9]  Energy feedstock program. (a)  There is established within the department of agriculture an energyfeedstock program that shall:

(1)  Maintain cognizance of actions taken by industryand by federal, state, county, and private agencies in activities relating tothe production of energy feedstock, and promote and support worthwhile energyfeedstock production activities in the State;

(2)  Serve as an information clearinghouse for energyfeedstock production activities;

(3)  Coordinate development projects to investigateand solve biological and technical problems involved in raising selectedspecies with commercial energy generating potential;

(4)  Actively seek federal funding for energyfeedstock production activities;

(5)  Undertake activities required to develop andexpand the energy feedstock production industry; and

(6)  Perform other functions and activities as may beassigned by law, including monitoring the compliance provisions under section205-4.5(a)(15).

(b)  The chairperson of the board ofagriculture shall consult and coordinate with the energy resources coordinatorunder chapter 196 to establish milestones and objectives for the production ofenergy feedstock that is grown in the State.  The chairperson and thecoordinator shall report the State's progress toward meeting such milestonesand objectives annually to the legislature.

(c)  The chairperson of the board ofagriculture shall also consult and coordinate with research programs andactivities at the University of Hawaii that will assist in the further growthand promotion of the energy feedstock production industry in Hawaii.

(d)  The chairperson of the board ofagriculture may employ temporary staff exempt from chapters 76 and 89.  Theboard may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 to effectuate the purposes of thissection. [L 2007, c 159, §5]