With pandemic-related economic fallout underscoring need for a stronger and more diversified agriculture sector here, state lawmakers are sizing up bills for overhauling or effectively scrapping the Hawaii Agribusiness Development Corp. (ADC).

A scathing state audit found that the public corporation — created in the mid-1990s to usher in more diversified ag following departure of sugar and pineapple staples — has done little toward achieving its statutory purpose, or even to show accountability. A separate financial audit was called off because the ADC had long failed to keep proper financial records. Change is needed as Hawaii deserves better.