Bill > SB1257

This bill establishes a permanent Agricultural Crimes Task Force within Hawaii's Department of Agriculture to address agricultural crime, which will consist of representatives from various government agencies, agricultural organizations, law enforcement, and academia. The task force will be responsible for developing crime prevention strategies, coordinating with law enforcement and prosecutors, recommending legislation, facilitating educational outreach to farmers, and monitoring program effectiveness. Additionally, the bill creates a new criminal offense called "agricultural crime" that applies to individuals who commit property crimes on agricultural property, with penalties ranging from fines and up to one year in prison for a first offense to fines up to $10,000 and up to five years in prison for subsequent offenses. The bill defines agricultural property as farming assets including land, buildings, equipment, livestock, and crops, and mandates that convicted offenders must pay restitution to property owners for damages. The legislation, named "Duke's Law" in memory of Cranston "Duke" Pia, aims to protect farmers' livelihoods and the state's agricultural economy by providing a comprehensive approach to preventing and addressing agricultural crimes. The state will appropriate funds to support the task force's operational costs, including staffing, equipment, and educational programs.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1257&year=2025