STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2725

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2798

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2798, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LAW ENFORCEMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to make permanent, rename, and expand statewide the Agricultural Enforcement Pilot Program established pursuant to Act 235, Session Laws of Hawaii 2025.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement; Office of the Prosecuting Attorney of the County of Hawaii; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council Inc.; Ulupalakua Ranch; Hawaii Farm Bureau; Thompson Ranch; Parker Ranch; and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that the Agricultural Enforcement Pilot Program has been successful at directing law enforcement resources to address agricultural crimes. However, your Committee notes that, despite the pilot program's success, agricultural crime remains a serious and ongoing challenge for farmers and ranchers across the State. Accordingly, your Committee believes that making the pilot program permanent and expanding it statewide will help protect Hawaii's farmers, growers, and ranchers.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2798, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

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DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair