The state Department of Agriculture issued its first three industrial hemp licenses to residents in June.
As part of the state’s Industrial Hemp Pilot Program, three growers — two on the Big Island and one on Kauai — were issued licenses to grow up to 10 acres of hemp for the next two years.
The Department of Agriculture received 10 applications from interested growers since April. Growers are required to submit extensive reports about the management of their crop and production costs, as well as submit their crops to routine sampling and inspection.
The department will continue to issue licenses on a quarterly basis.
The time from planting to harvesting hemp is estimated to be anywhere from three to six months.
“Hawaii’s first licensed hemp growers will help to demonstrate the real potential of the industrial hemp industry,” said Gov. David Ige in a statement. “We look forward to the entrepreneurial spirit that will help to invigorate and strengthen agriculture across the state.”
Interested growers can apply for the pilot program at hdoa.hawaii.gov/hemp.