Bill > HB859

This bill establishes a comprehensive agricultural crime prevention program within Hawaii's Department of Agriculture to address challenges facing the state's agricultural industry. The legislation creates a special fund to support grants for agricultural property owners, enabling them to purchase security equipment like cameras, fencing, and signage to deter criminal activities. The bill significantly strengthens legal protections for agricultural lands by introducing a new criminal trespass on agricultural land statute with escalating penalties for repeat offenders, including potential felony charges if a dangerous instrument is involved. It also clarifies and expands administrative and criminal penalties for various agricultural-related offenses, such as unauthorized hunting, brand tampering, and livestock movement without proper documentation. Additionally, the bill establishes a specialized unit of brand inspectors with enhanced enforcement powers and creates new definitions and reporting requirements for agricultural activities. The legislation aims to protect farmers' property rights, enhance food security, and provide a more robust legal framework for preventing and prosecuting crimes against agricultural operations, with fines and penalties designed to serve as both punishment and deterrence.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=859&year=2026