STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2260

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2960

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Water and Land and Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 2960 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FARMERS,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require lessees and purchasers of farm lots and ranch lots use that land for farming and producing food; and

(2) Authorize agricultural cooperatives to apply for farmlands.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; and two individuals.

Your Committees received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture and one individual.

Your Committees find that nonfarming use of agricultural lands has sharply increased over the last few decades as wealthy individuals often purchase large parcels of land and pursue farming as a hobby, rather than as a livelihood. With land being a limited resource in Hawaii, any parcel that is suitable for agricultural activities should be utilized for that purpose. This measure will require that agricultural lots be used for agricultural activities only and allow for more opportunity for farmers to farm.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1) Clarifying that a person is a bona fide farmer if they meet certain criteria; and

(2) Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Water and Land and Agriculture and Environment that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2960, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2960, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Water and Land and Agriculture and Environment,

________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair

________________________________ LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair