Senate Panel Kills Beef Bill - Honolulu Civil Beat
Senators were concerned the bill, aimed at keeping one company from dominating the processing industry, was unconstitutional.
Reading time: 3 minutes.
A Senate committee on Wednesday effectively killed a bill intended to impose operating restrictions on an Idaho rancher who has acquired about 70% of Hawaii’s beef processing capacity.
Instead, Sen. Mike Gabbard, who chairs the Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee, told the bill’s proponents and opponents to sit down and work things out.
“If no can, at least you tried,” Gabbard said.
Parker Ranch on the Big Island is a major producer of local grass-fed beef in Hawaii. Courtesy: Parker Ranch
Beefing Over Control Of Hawaii s Meat Processing Industry - Honolulu Civil Beat
Beefing Over Control Of Hawaii’s Meat Processing Industry
A bill scheduled to be heard Wednesday targets an investor who has gained control of 70% of Hawaii’s meat processing capacity. Reading time: 7 minutes.
Hawaii lawmakers are considering a bill that both sides of the debate say could have a profound effect on Hawaii’s beef industry a key source of locally produced protein as the state seeks to produce more of the food it consumes locally.
The issue is whether it is beneficial to Hawaii for one person to own approximately 70% of the state’s capacity to process beef. In this case, the processor has vowed to increase processing capacity and there is no indication that he has engaged in anti-competitive business practices.