Bill > SB1

This bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework to prohibit certain foreign parties from acquiring agricultural lands in Hawaii, with the primary goal of protecting the state's agricultural resources and strategic economic interests. The legislation creates an Office of Agricultural Intelligence within the Department of Agriculture to investigate potential unlawful land ownership by prohibited foreign parties, which are broadly defined to include entities subject to International Traffic in Arms regulations, foreign governments from specific countries, and organizations with significant control or interest from such entities. The bill defines "agricultural lands" as properties within the agricultural district and establishes strict restrictions on ownership, making it illegal for prohibited foreign parties to acquire, purchase, or hold interests in these lands, with a limited exception for resident aliens who can temporarily own agricultural land during their residency. If a prohibited foreign party acquires agricultural land illegally, they must divest their interest within two years, and failure to do so can result in a civil action by the Attorney General leading to a court-ordered sale of the land. Violations of this law are considered a class C felony, and the bill appropriates funding to establish the new Office of Agricultural Intelligence and its associated positions, with the law set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1&year=2026