Bills

SB 1185: Department of Agriculture; Working Group; Report; Appropriation

Session Year: 2025-2026
House: Senate
Latest Version Date: 2025-03-18

Current Status:

Failed

(2025-12-08: Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.)

Introduced

In Committee

First Chamber

In Committee

Second Chamber

Final Decking

Enacted

Version:

Establishes within the Department of Agriculture a working group to review and make recommendations on amending or repealing unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture. Requires a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Version:

SB1185 HD1

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1185
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		H.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the agricultural industry in Hawaii has been significantly affected by climate change, globalization, the influx of devastating invasive species and diseases, market conditions, a lack of agricultural workers, and various other factors. The legislature further finds that the State must modernize and adapt its policies and laws accordingly. The legislature also finds that unnecessary or obsolete sections of the Hawaii Revised Statutes are impeding the growth and success of agriculture in Hawaii and should be carefully reviewed to ensure that this important part of the islands' economy and way of life can survive and thrive into the future.

Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to establish and appropriate funds for a working group within the department of agriculture to review and make recommendations on amending or repealing unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture.

SECTION 2. (a) There is established within the department of agriculture a working group to review and make recommendations on amending or repealing unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture.

(b) The working group shall consist of the following members:

(1) The chairperson of the board of agriculture, or the chairperson's designee, who shall serve as the chairperson of the working group;

(2) The chairperson of the board of land and natural resources, or the chairperson's designee;

(3) The director of business, economic development, and tourism, or the director's designee;

(4) The executive director of the agribusiness development corporation, or the executive director's designee;

(5) A representative of the mayor of the city and county of Honolulu;

(6) A representative of the mayor of the county of Hawaii;

(7) A representative of the mayor of the county of Kauai;

(8) A representative of the mayor of the county of Maui;

(9) The executive director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau, who shall be invited by the chairperson of the working group;

(10) The executive director of the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, who shall be invited by the chairperson of the working group;

(11) The managing director of the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, who shall be invited by the chairperson of the working group; and

(12) The president of the Hawaii Farmers Union, or the president's designee, who shall be invited by the chairperson of the working group.

(c) The working group shall first review laws that directly impact agricultural viability and land use, including but not limited to:

(1) Restrictions on leases of state agricultural land that prohibit a residence on the property;

(2) Restrictions on leases of state agricultural land that prohibit the raising of poultry and swine on the property;

(3) Caps on agricultural operation loan rates;

(4) Regulations governing agricultural workforce development and farm labor access;

(5) Water access and permitting; and

(6) Procurement policies that impact the use of locally grown food in state institutions.

(d) The working group may identify and recommend additional laws for future review in subsequent legislative sessions.

(e) Members of the working group who are employed by the State and serving in their official capacity on the working group shall serve without compensation. Other members of the working group who are not employed by the State shall receive compensation for their travel expenses.

(f) No later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026, the working group shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature regarding its review of unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture.

(g) The working group shall cease to exist on June 30, 2026.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 for the working group established pursuant to section 2 of this Act.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Department of Agriculture; Working Group; Report; Appropriation

Description:

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

SB1185 SD1

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1185
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to establish within the department of agriculture a working group to review and make recommendations on amending or repealing unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture.

(b) The working group shall consist of the following members:

(1) The chairperson of the board of agriculture, or the chairperson's designee, who shall serve as the chairperson of the working group;

(2) The chairperson of the board of land and natural resources, or the chairperson's designee;

(3) The director of business, economic development, and tourism, or the director's designee;

(4) The executive director of the agribusiness development corporation, or the executive director's designee;

(5) A representative of the mayor of the city and county of Honolulu;

(6) A representative of the mayor of the county of Hawaii;

(7) A representative of the mayor of the county of Kauai;

(8) A representative of the mayor of the county of Maui;

(9) The executive director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau, who shall be invited by the chairperson of the working group;

(10) The executive director of the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, who shall be invited by the chairperson of the working group;

(11) The managing director of the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, who shall be invited by the chairperson of the working group; and

(12) The president of the Hawaii Farmers Union, or the president's designee, who shall be invited by the chairperson of the working group.

(c) The working group shall review and make recommendations on amending or repealing unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture, including:

(1) Restrictions on leases of state agricultural land that prohibit a residence on the property;

(2) Restrictions on leases of state agricultural land that prohibit the raising of poultry and swine on the property; and

(3) Caps on agricultural operation loan rates.

The issues identified in this subsection shall not be construed to limit the laws pertaining to agriculture that the working group may consider for review and recommendation.

(d) Members of the working group who are employed by the State and serving in their official capacity on the working group shall serve without compensation. Other members of the working group who are not employed by the State shall receive compensation for their travel expenses.

(e) No later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026, the working group shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, regarding its review of unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture.

(f) The working group shall cease to exist on June 30, 2026.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Department of Agriculture; Working Group; Report; Appropriation

Description:

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

SB1185

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1185
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to agriculture.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the agricultural industry in Hawaii has been significantly affected by climate change, globalization, the influx of devastating invasive species and diseases, market conditions, a lack of agricultural workers, and various other factors. The legislature further finds that the State must modernize and adapt its policies and laws accordingly. The legislature also finds that unnecessary or obsolete sections of the Hawaii Revised Statutes are actually impeding the growth and success of agriculture in Hawaii and should be carefully reviewed to ensure that this important part of the islands' economy and way of life can survive and thrive into the future.

(b) The working group shall consist of the following members:

(1) The chairperson of the board of agriculture, or the chairperson's designee, who shall serve as the chairperson of the working group;

(2) The chairperson of the board of land and natural resources, or the chairperson's designee;

(3) The director of business, economic development, and tourism, or the director's designee;

(4) The executive director of the agribusiness development corporation, or the executive director's designee;

(5) A representative of the mayor of the city and county of Honolulu;

(6) A representative of the mayor of the county of Hawaii;

(7) A representative of the mayor of the county of Kauai;

(8) A representative of the mayor of the county of Maui;

(9) The executive director of the Hawaii Farm Bureau, who shall be invited by the chairperson of the working group;

(10) The executive director of the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, who shall be invited by the chairperson of the working group; and

(11) The managing director of the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, who shall be invited by the chairperson of the working group.

(c) The working group shall review and make recommendations on amending or repealing unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture, including:

(1) Restrictions on leases of state agricultural land that prohibit a residence on the property;

(2) Restrictions on leases of state agricultural land that prohibit the raising of poultry and swine on the property; and

(3) Caps on agricultural operation loan rates.

(d) The issues identified in subsection (c) shall not be construed to limit the laws pertaining to agriculture that the working group may consider for review and recommendation.

(f) No later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026, the working group shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, regarding its review of unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture.

(g) The working group shall cease to exist on June 30, 2026.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Department of Agriculture; Working Group; Appropriation

Description:

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

Date	Status
Dec 8, 2025	Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
Mar 19, 2025	Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Ward excused (2).
Mar 19, 2025	Reported from AGR (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1362) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN.
Mar 14, 2025	The committee on AGR recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 4 Ayes: Representative(s) Kahaloa, Kusch, Lowen, Perruso; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Quinlan, Ward.
Mar 12, 2025	Bill scheduled to be heard by AGR on Friday, 03-14-25 10:00AM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
Mar 6, 2025	Referred to AGR, FIN, referral sheet 19
Mar 6, 2025	Pass First Reading
Mar 4, 2025	Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 271) in amended form (SD 1).
Mar 4, 2025	Report adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.
Feb 28, 2025	One Day Notice 03-04-25.
Feb 28, 2025	Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 849) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading.
Feb 26, 2025	The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 13 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
Feb 20, 2025	The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-26-25 10:03AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference.
Feb 12, 2025	Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.
Feb 12, 2025	Reported from AEN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 301) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.
Feb 7, 2025	The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in AEN were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Gabbard, DeCoite, Rhoads, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Richards.
Feb 5, 2025	The committee(s) on AEN deferred the measure until 02-07-25 1:03PM; Conference Room 224.
Feb 3, 2025	The committee(s) on AEN deferred the measure until 02-05-25 1:05PM; Conference Room 224.
Jan 31, 2025	The committee(s) on AEN has scheduled a public hearing on 02-03-25 1:02PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference.
Jan 27, 2025	Referred to AEN, WAM.
Jan 21, 2025	Passed First Reading.
Jan 17, 2025	Introduced.

Date	Description	Location	Votes
Mar 14, 2025	The committee on AGR recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS	House Standing Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems	4 0 2 Passed
Mar 4, 2025	Third Reading	Senate Floor	25 0 0 Passed
Feb 26, 2025	The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED	Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means	13 0 0 Passed
Feb 7, 2025	The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS	Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Environment	4 0 1 Passed

Key

Pro

Against

Did Not Vote

This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.

Positions by individuals are not included.

* Testimony in a hearing

** Position recorded in bill analysis

*** Position recorded in written testimony

Organization	Position	Date
East Oahu County Farm Bureau	** Support
East Oʻahu County Farm Bureau	** Support
Hawai'i Farm Bureau	*** Support	Mar 13, 2025
Hawaii Agriculture Research Center	** Support
Hawaii Agriculture Research Center (HARC)	*** Support	Mar 13, 2025
Hawaii Cattlemen's Council	** Support
Hawaii Fish Company, Inc.	** Support
Hawaii Agriculture Research Center	** Support
Hawaii Farm Bureau	** Support
Hawaii Farmers Union	** Support
Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy	** Support
Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii	** Support

* Testimony in a hearing

** Position recorded in bill analysis

*** Position recorded in written testimony

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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1362

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: S.B. No. 1185

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred S.B. No. 1185, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds for a working group within the Department of Agriculture to review and make recommendations on amending or repealing unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council; Hawaii Agriculture Research Center; Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; East Oahu County Farm Bureau; Hawaii Farmers Union; and six individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's agricultural sector is hindered by outdated laws that do not reflect current farming practices or the State's evolving agricultural goals. Many of these regulations were created decades ago and may now be limiting progress, efficiency, and the expansion of local food production. By modernizing regulatory frameworks and removing unnecessary barriers, this measure promotes a more adaptable, productive, and sustainable agricultural economy for Hawaii.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Clarifying the responsibilities of the working group, including specifying an initial focus of its review of laws that directly impact agricultural viability and land use and authorizing the working group to recommend additional laws for future review in subsequent legislative sessions;

(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

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

Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $100,000 for the working group.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1185, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1185, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,

____________________________

KIRSTIN KAHALOA, Chair

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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 849

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1185

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 1185, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish within the Department of Agriculture a working group to review and make recommendations on amending or repealing unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii, Purple Maia Foundation, and two individuals.

Your Committee received written comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture.

Your Committee finds that unnecessary or obsolete sections of the Hawaii Revised Statutes are impeding the growth and success of Hawaii's vital agricultural industry. Your Committee, therefore, finds that the Hawaii Revised Statutes should be carefully reviewed by those stakeholders most closely involved in the agricultural industry and who are most knowledgeable about these impediments to ensure that this essential part of the State's economy and way of life can survive and thrive into the future.

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. 1185, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair

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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 301

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1185

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 1185 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Establish within the Department of Agriculture a working group to review and make recommendations on amending or repealing unnecessary or obsolete laws pertaining to agriculture; and

(2) Appropriate funds.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the East Oʻahu County Farm Bureau; Hawaii Agriculture Research Center; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; Hawaii Fish Company, Inc.; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii; and four individuals.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture.

Your Committee finds that this measure, by establishing a working group within the Department of Agriculture, facilitates a comprehensive review of existing laws to identify and either amend or repeal those that may be unnecessary or obsolete. This approach recognizes the evolving nature of the agricultural sector, which faces new challenges and opportunities that outdated laws may no longer address effectively.

Your Committee further finds that Hawaii's farmers and ranchers face significant regulatory challenges that can hinder agricultural growth and innovation. Many existing agricultural laws and regulations were established decades ago and may no longer align with the needs of modern farming practices, advancements in technology, and the State's goal of increasing local food production. A dedicated working group will provide an opportunity for agricultural stakeholders, policymakers, and regulatory agencies to collaborate in ensuring that the State's agricultural laws and policies are relevant, effective, and supportive of a resilient and sustainable food system.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Adding a representative of the Hawaii Farmers Union to the working group;

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

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

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1185, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1185, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

________________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair

Date	Testimony PDF
Mar 13, 2025	SB1185_SD1_TESTIMONY_AGR_03-14-25_.PDF
Feb 25, 2025	SB1185_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_02-26-25_.PDF
Feb 3, 2025	SB1185_TESTIMONY_AEN_02-03-25_.PDF

Discussed in Hearing

1MIN

House Standing Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems

View Older Hearings

Authors shown for version:
SB1185_HD1 (3/18/2025)