February 28, 2007

Hawaiian lawmakers consider US$9.4 million to boost livestock industry 

Lawmakers in Honolulu, Hawaii are looking into providing a boost of more than nine million dollars over the next two years for Hawaii's faltering livestock industry.

The money would subsidize up to 50 percent of feed costs for commercial milk, egg and chicken producers.

While the agriculture industry as a whole has stabilized in Hawaii, livestock producers have faced challenges in recent years.

According to a survey by the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, 26 local livestock operations have shut down since 1996.

The poultry sector has nearly disappeared as milk, egg and pork producers continue to struggle against rising feed and transportation costs.