News release on compost reimbursement program

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

ʻOIHANA MAHIʻAI

 

JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR

KIAʻĀINA
                                                                       

SHARON HURD
CHAIRPERSON

HAWAIʻI BOARD OF AGRICULTURE

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               

NR24-32

Nov. 1, 2024

 

COMPOST REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

 

HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is accepting applications for the Compost Reimbursement Program for Fiscal Year 2025, which may reimburse agricultural producers for the cost of purchasing compost, including transportation costs.

 

Act 231 was passed by the State Legislature during its 2024 session and Governor Josh Green, M.D., released funding totaling $400,000 in August 2024. Farming and landscaping operations may apply for reimbursement of up to 50% of the cost of compost purchased between July 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025. Reimbursements under this program are not to exceed $50,000 per qualified applicant.

 

Under the reimbursement program, compost must be purchased from a certified processor, retailer or wholesaler licensed to do business in Hawaiʻi. In addition, certified Hawai‘i processors are limited to those companies regulated under the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Solid Waste Management Program. 

 

“The cost of compost is a major expenditure for many farming operations,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture. “This reimbursement program can help to prevent the spread of coconut rhinoceros beetles and other pests by providing an incentive to purchase compost from certified compost operators, which are required to treat all compost for pests prior to sale.”

 

Qualified agricultural operations include commercial agriculture, aquacultural facilities, livestock, poultry, apiary and landscaping activities. Applicants must also provide a W-9 tax form, sample invoice and proof of compliance with federal, state and county tax and business regulations. The deadline to submit invoices is May 1, 2025.

 

For more information and to download the application forms, go to:  https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/main/compost-reimbursement2025/

Program Contact:

Plant Industry Division

[email protected]

808-973-9530

 

# # #

 

Attachment: Compost Reimbursement Fact Sheet

 

 

Media Contact:
Janelle Saneishi, Public Information Officer
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture
Phone: 808-973-9560
Cell: 808-341-5528
[email protected]
http://hdoa.hawaii.gov

HDOA is committed to maintaining an environment free from discrimination, retaliation, or harassment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability, or any other class as protected under federal or state law, with respect to any program or activity.

                                                         

For more information, including language accessibility and filing a complaint, please contact HDOA Non-Discrimination Coordinator at 808-973-9591, or visit HDOA’s website at http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/.

 

To request translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, or other auxiliary aids or services for this document, contact the HDOA at 808-973-9591 or email [email protected].

 

TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964

The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability, or any other class as protected under applicable federal or state law, in administration of its programs, or activities. To learn more, or file a complaint, please refer to the links below:

 

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