Bill > HB501

This bill establishes an Agricultural Enforcement Program within the Department of Law Enforcement to address agricultural theft and related crimes in Hawaii. The program will be led by an assistant chief and will include state law enforcement officers and investigators, including volunteers, who will focus on investigating and preventing offenses involving agricultural product theft. The bill creates an Agricultural Enforcement Special Fund to support the program, which can receive grants, donations, fees, and legislative appropriations. The fund will be used for various purposes including training, equipment, research, public information, and operational expenses. The program will collaborate with federal, state, and county enforcement authorities and will specifically target offenses related to agricultural product theft. The legislation is motivated by data showing significant financial losses from agricultural crimes in Hawaii, including a 2019 report indicating $14.4 million in agricultural theft and security costs, and a 2020 report of numerous agricultural-related offenses. The bill appropriates funding to establish key positions across Hawaii's counties, including an assistant chief, investigator positions, and uniformed patrol officers, with the goal of improving law enforcement's ability to prevent, investigate, and respond to agricultural crimes statewide.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=501&year=2026