§155-2  Objectives.  One of theobjectives of the department of agriculture shall be to promote theagricultural development of the State by stimulating, facilitating, andgranting loans to qualified farmers and food manufacturers.

The department shall encourage the growth,development, and well-being of agriculture in the State by:

(1)  Maximizing the use of limited state funds andresources in encouraging development of new farmers and new crops;

(2)  Assisting qualified farmers and foodmanufacturers with loans;

(3)  Encouraging private lenders to make loans toqualified farmers and food manufacturers directly, or in cooperation, or inparticipation with the State; and

(4)  Providing relief to farmers in times ofemergencies.

The department shall also establish standardsand criteria pursuant to which loans may be provided to qualified farmers andfood manufacturers who cannot secure credit from other sources at reasonablerates and terms.  Any assessment of the program shall consider its purpose and intentthat involves credit risk beyond that of banks and other private lenders, andthe assessment shall be based on standards of similar programs. [L 1959, c 278,pt of §1; am L Sp 1959 2d, c 1, §25; am L 1961, c 132, §2; Supp, §102-3; HRS§155-2; am L 1979, c 222, §2; am L 2000, c 51, §3]