STAND. COM. REP. NO. 537-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1603

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred H.B. No. 1603, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL PARK LEASES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to repeal the requirement for land covered by an agricultural park lease with a remaining term of fifteen years or less to be located in a county having a population of less than five hundred thousand in order for the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity to extend the lease.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Ahiki Acres; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; Agriculture Stewardship Hawaiʻi; and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity.

Your Committee finds that the existing law governing agricultural park lease extensions effectively disqualifies Oahu, severely affecting farmers on the State's most populous island who already face higher land costs, greater development pressure, and limited access to agricultural land. Your Committee further finds that this measure represents a practical, equitable solution that encourages investment, protects existing agricultural production, and supports the State's goals of increasing local food production and strengthening food security.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1603, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair