Bill > SB1185

This bill establishes a working group within Hawaii's Department of Agriculture to review and recommend changes to outdated or unnecessary agricultural laws. The working group will include representatives from various state agencies, county governments, and agricultural organizations, such as the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council. The group will first examine laws affecting agricultural viability and land use, including restrictions on state agricultural land leases, agricultural operation loan rates, workforce development regulations, water access, and local food procurement policies. Members employed by the state will serve without compensation, while others will receive travel expenses. The working group is required to submit a report with findings and recommendations to the legislature before the 2026 regular session and will dissolve on June 30, 2026. The bill appropriates funds for the working group's activities and is designed to help Hawaii's agricultural industry adapt to challenges like climate change, globalization, invasive species, and market conditions by modernizing and streamlining agricultural policies and laws.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1185&year=2026