STAND. COM. REP. NO. 53-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1703

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. 1703 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LAND USE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize rodeos and rodeo activities on various lands that are zoned for agricultural or pastoral use.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Agribusiness Development Corporation; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Ironworkers Stabilization Fund; and five individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Animal Rights Hawaiʻi. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that by supporting rodeos and rodeo activities on agricultural lands, this measure helps preserve the rich paniolo cultural legacy while reinforcing the continued relevance of ranching and livestock operations in Hawaii today.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing its effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion;

(2) Clarifying the various lands on which rodeo and rodeo activities are allowed by changing the statutory placement of these provisions; and

(3) Making other technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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. 1703, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1703, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Culture & Arts.

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

____________________________

MARK J. HASHEM, Chair