Bill > HB498

This bill establishes the Hawaii Agricultural Crimes Council, a new state-level organization designed to address agricultural crimes in Hawaii. The council will be composed of representatives from various government agencies, agricultural producers, environmental organizations, and community members, and will be responsible for developing crime prevention strategies, creating a centralized database for tracking agricultural crimes, and improving data collection and enforcement. The bill expands the Department of Agriculture's duties to collaborate with the council by sharing information, providing technical assistance, and supporting joint initiatives to combat agricultural crimes. Additionally, the legislation creates an Agricultural Enforcement Special Fund to provide dedicated funding for the council's operations, which can include training, research, equipment, public education, and other related expenses. The bill was motivated by national agricultural crime statistics showing significant economic losses and specific challenges in Hawaii, such as difficulties in responding to crimes in rural and isolated agricultural areas. The council will have the authority to appoint investigators with law enforcement powers (though without firearms) and will be required to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing its progress and recommendations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=498&year=2026