Act 231, passed by the State Legislature in its 2024 session, has enabled a new compost reimbursement program. Governor Josh Green approved $400,000 in funding for this initiative in August 2024. The program allows farming and landscaping operations to apply for reimbursement of up to 50% of compost costs incurred between July 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025. Each applicant can receive a maximum of $50,000.
The program requires that compost be purchased from certified processors, retailers, or wholesalers licensed in Hawaiʻi. Certified Hawai‘i processors must be regulated under the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Solid Waste Management Program.
Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture, emphasized the financial impact on farming operations: “The cost of compost is a major expenditure for many farming operations.” She noted that the program incentivizes purchasing from certified operators who treat compost for pests before sale.
Eligible participants include commercial agriculture ventures, aquacultural facilities, livestock farms, poultry producers, apiaries, and landscaping businesses. Applicants must submit a W-9 tax form along with proof of compliance with federal, state and county regulations. The deadline for invoice submission is May 1, 2025.
Further details and application forms are available at https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/main/compost-reimbursement2025/.