SB 1257: Agricultural Crimes Task Force; Offense of Agricultural Crime; Penalties; Appropriation
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2025-03-13
Current Status:
Failed
(2025-12-08: Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Establishes a permanent Agricultural Crimes Task Force to address the issue of agricultural crime in the State. Establishes the offense of agricultural crime to increase penalties for committing certain property crimes on agricultural property. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes an Agricultural Crimes Task Force to address the issue of agricultural crime in the State. Establishes the offense of agricultural crime to increase penalties for property crimes committed on agricultural property. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Establishes an Agricultural Crimes Task Force to address the issue of agricultural crime in the State. Establishes the offense of agricultural crime to increase penalties for property crimes committed on agricultural property. Appropriates funds.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
1257 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CRIME.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 2. The legislature finds that agricultural crimes, including theft, vandalism, and trespassing, have significantly impacted the State's agricultural sector, leading to economic losses and safety concerns for farmers and ranchers. These types of crimes affect not only individual livelihoods, but also the State's broader agricultural economy and food security.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Establish and appropriate funds for a permanent agricultural crimes task force to address the issue of agricultural crime in the State; and
(2) Establish an offense of agricultural crime for committing property crimes on agricultural property.
SECTION 3. Chapter 141, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§141- Agricultural crimes task force. (a) There shall be established an agricultural crimes task force within the department of agriculture for administrative purposes that shall consist of the following members:
(1) The chairperson of the board of agriculture, or the chairperson's designee, who shall serve as chairperson of the task force;
(2) A representative from the department of law enforcement;
(3) A representative from the department of the attorney general;
(4) A representative from the department of the prosecuting attorney of the city and county of Honolulu;
(5) Two members representing agricultural organizations or farmer associations, to be invited by the chairperson;
(6) Two members from a law enforcement agency with experience with agricultural crimes; and
(7) One member from the academic community specializing in agriculture or criminology, to be invited by the chairperson.
(b) The task force shall:
(1) Develop strategies to prevent agricultural crimes;
(2) Coordinate with local law enforcement to enhance responses to reports of agricultural crime;
(3) Coordinate with state and county prosecutors to develop methods to prioritize the prosecution of agricultural crimes to the fullest extent of the law;
(4) Recommend legislation to address gaps in existing law relating to agricultural crime;
(5) Facilitate education and outreach programs for farmers on crime prevention; and
(6) Monitor and report on the effectiveness of any policies and programs implemented.
(c) The members of the agricultural crimes task force shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses necessary for the performance of their duties, including travel expenses.
(d) The agricultural crimes task force shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session."
SECTION 4. Chapter 708, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§708- Agricultural crime. (1) A person commits the offense of agricultural crime if the person:
(a) Is on agricultural property and:
(i) Is found guilty of committing, or pleads guilty or no contest to, any offense under this chapter;
(ii) Violates section 183D-26 or 183D-27; or
(iii) Commits the offense of negligent failure to control a dangerous dog under section 711-1144; or
(b) Is the parent or legal guardian of a minor who violates paragraph (a).
(2) For the purposes of this section:
"Agricultural property" means farming assets used for agricultural production, including but not limited to land, buildings, equipment, livestock, and crops.
"Minor" means any person under the age of eighteen years.
(3) Agricultural crime is a class C felony.
(4) For a conviction under this section, the sentence shall be:
(a) For a first offense, a fine of no more than $2,000 or imprisonment for no more than one year, or both; or
(b) For a second or subsequent offense, a fine of at least $10,000 or imprisonment for no more than five years, or both.
(5) In addition to any other penalties, any person who is convicted of a violation of this section shall be ordered to make restitution to the owner of the agricultural property for any damages or losses incurred due to the violation."
SECTION 5. 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 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the operational costs of the agricultural crimes task force, including but not limited to the hiring of necessary staff, equipment, and educational outreach.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 6. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 7. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
Agricultural Crimes Task Force; Offense of Agricultural Crime; Penalties; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes a permanent Agricultural Crimes Task Force to address the issue of agricultural crime in the State. Establishes the offense of agricultural crime to increase penalties for committing certain property crimes on agricultural property. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
1257 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CRIME.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 2. The legislature finds that agricultural crimes, including theft, vandalism, and trespassing have significantly impacted the State's agricultural sector, leading to economic losses and safety concerns for farmers and ranchers. These types of crimes not only affect individual livelihoods, but also the State's broader agricultural economy and food security.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Establish an agricultural crimes task force to address the issue of agricultural crime in the State; and
(2) Increase penalties for property crimes committed on agricultural property.
SECTION 3. Chapter 141, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§141- Agricultural crimes task force. (a) There is established an agricultural crimes task force within the department of agriculture for administrative purposes that shall consist of the following members:
(1) The chairperson of the board of agriculture, or the chairperson's designee, who shall serve as chairperson of the taskforce;
(2) A representative from the department of law enforcement;
(3) A representative from the department of the attorney general;
(4) A representative from the department of the prosecuting attorney of the city and county of Honolulu;
(5) Two members representing agricultural organizations or farmer associations to be invited by the chairperson;
(6) Two members from a law enforcement agency with experience with agricultural crimes; and
(7) One member from the academic community specializing in agriculture or criminology, to be invited by the chairperson.
(b) The task force shall:
(1) Develop strategies to prevent agricultural crimes;
(2) Coordinate with local law enforcement to enhance responses to reports of agricultural crime;
(3) Coordinate with state and county prosecutors to develop methods to prioritize the prosecution of agricultural crimes to the fullest extent of the law;
(4) Recommend legislation to address gaps in existing law relating to agricultural crime;
(5) Facilitate education and outreach programs for farmers on crime prevention; and
(6) Monitor and report on the effectiveness of any policies and programs implemented.
(c) The members of the agricultural crimes task force shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses necessary for the performance of their duties, including travel expenses.
(d) The agricultural crimes task force shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session."
SECTION 4. Chapter 708, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§708- Agricultural crime. (1) A person commits the offense of agricultural crime if the person:
(a) Is on agricultural property and:
(i) Commits a property crime;
(ii) Violates section 183D-26 or 183D-27; or
(iii) Commits the offense of negligent failure to control a dangerous dog under section 711-1144; or
(b) Is the parent or legal guardian of a minor who violates paragraph (a).
(2) A person commits a property crime if the person engages in conduct that constitutes an offense under this chapter. It can be established that the person has committed a property crime by either the prosecution proving that the person is guilty of, or by the person pleading guilty or no contest to, committing any offense under this chapter.
(3) For the purposes of this section:
"Agricultural property" means farming assets used for agricultural production, including but not limited to land, buildings, equipment, livestock, and crops.
"Minor" means any person under the age of eighteen years.
(4) Agricultural crime is a class C felony.
(5) For a conviction under this section, the sentence shall be either:
(a) For a first offense, a fine of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both; or
(b) For a second or subsequent offense, a fine of at least $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both.
(6) In addition to any other penalties, any person who is convicted of a violation of this section shall be ordered to make restitution to the owner of the agricultural property for any damages or losses incurred due to the violation."
SECTION 5. 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 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the operational costs of the agricultural crimes task force, including but not limited to the hiring of necessary staff, equipment, and educational outreach.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 6. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 7. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
Agricultural Crimes; Task Force; Offense of Agricultural Crime; Penalties; Appropriations
Description:
Establishes an Agricultural Crimes Task Force to address the issue of agricultural crime in the State. Establishes the offense of agricultural crime to increase penalties for property crimes committed on agricultural property. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
1257 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to agricultural crime.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 2. The legislature finds that agricultural crimes, including theft, vandalism, and trespassing have significantly impacted the State's agricultural sector, leading to economic losses and safety concerns for farmers and ranchers. These types of crimes not only affect individual livelihoods, but also the State's broader agricultural economy and food security.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Establish an agricultural crimes task force to address the issue of agricultural crime in the State; and
(2) Increase penalties for property crimes committed on agricultural property.
SECTION 3. Chapter 141, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§141- Agricultural crimes task force. (a) There is established an agricultural crimes task force within the department of agriculture for administrative purposes that shall consist of the following members:
(1) The chairperson of the board of agriculture, or the chairperson's designee, who shall serve as chairperson of the taskforce;
(2) A representative from the department of law enforcement;
(3) A representative from the department of the attorney general;
(4) A representative from the department of the prosecuting attorney of the city and county of Honolulu;
(5) Two members representing agricultural organizations or farmer associations to be invited by the chairperson;
(6) Two members from a law enforcement agency with experience with agricultural crimes; and
(7) One member from the academic community specializing in agriculture or criminology, to be invited by the chairperson.
(b) The task force shall:
(1) Develop strategies to prevent agricultural crimes;
(2) Coordinate with local law enforcement to enhance responses to reports of agricultural crime;
(3) Coordinate with state and county prosecutors to develop methods to prioritize the prosecution of agricultural crimes to the fullest extent of the law;
(4) Recommend legislation to address gaps in existing law relating to agricultural crime;
(5) Facilitate education and outreach programs for farmers on crime prevention; and
(6) Monitor and report on the effectiveness of any policies and programs implemented.
(c) The members of the agricultural crimes task force shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses necessary for the performance of their duties, including travel expenses.
(d) The agricultural crimes task force shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session."
SECTION 4. Chapter 708, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§708- Agricultural crime. (1) A person commits the offense of agricultural crime if the person:
(a) Is on agricultural property and:
(i) Commits a property crime;
(ii) Violates section 183D-26 or 183D-27; or
(iii) Commits the offense of negligent failure to control a dangerous dog under section 711-1144; or
(b) Is the parent or legal guardian of a minor who violates paragraph (a).
(2) A person commits a property crime if the person engages in conduct that constitutes an offense under this chapter. It can be established that the person has committed a property crime by either the prosecution proving that the person is guilty of, or by the person pleading guilty or no contest to, committing any offense under this chapter.
(3) For the purposes of this section:
"Agricultural property" means farming assets used for agricultural production, including but not limited to land, buildings, equipment, livestock, and crops.
"Minor" means any person under the age of eighteen years.
(4) Agricultural crime is a class C felony.
(5) For a conviction under this section, the sentence shall be either:
(a) For a first offense, a fine of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both; or
(b) For a second or subsequent offense, a fine of at least $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than five years, or both.
(6) In addition to any other penalties, any person who is convicted of a violation of this section shall be ordered to make restitution to the owner of the agricultural property for any damages or losses incurred due to the violation."
SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the operational costs of the agricultural crimes task force, including but not limited to the hiring of necessary staff, equipment, and educational outreach.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 6. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 7. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
Agricultural Crimes; Task Force; Offense of Agricultural Crime; Penalties; Appropriations
Description:
Establishes an Agricultural Crimes Task Force to address the issue of agricultural crime in the State. Establishes the offense of agricultural crime to increase penalties for property crimes committed on agricultural property. Appropriates funds.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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|---|---|
| Dec 8, 2025 | Carried over to 2026 Regular Session. |
| Mar 18, 2025 | The committee(s) on JHA recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. |
| Mar 14, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Tuesday, 03-18-25 2:15PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 14, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on JHA with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Holt, Iwamoto, Ward excused (4). |
| Mar 14, 2025 | Reported from AGR (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1220) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to JHA. |
| Mar 12, 2025 | The committee on AGR recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 5 Ayes: Representative(s) Kahaloa, Kusch, Lowen, Perruso, Quinlan; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Ward. |
| Mar 7, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by AGR on Wednesday, 03-12-25 9:00AM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Referred to AGR, JHA, FIN, referral sheet 19 |
| Mar 6, 2025 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 288) 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/JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 928) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 26, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in JDC were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| 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 21, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM/JDC will hold a public decision making on 02-26-25 10:05AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 13, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM/JDC. |
| Feb 13, 2025 | Reported from AEN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 459) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM/JDC. |
| Feb 10, 2025 | The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in AEN were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Gabbard, Richards, DeCoite, Rhoads, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 7, 2025 | The committee(s) on AEN has scheduled a public hearing on 02-10-25 1:01PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 27, 2025 | Referred to AEN, WAM/JDC. |
| Jan 23, 2025 | Introduced and passed First Reading. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Pending Introduction. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Mar 12, 2025 | The committee on AGR recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems |
Passed |
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| Mar 4, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Feb 26, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
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| Feb 26, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
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| Feb 10, 2025 | The committee(s) on AEN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture and Environment |
Passed |
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.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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| Board of Agriculture | *** Support | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Department of Law Enforcement | *** Support | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Food+ Policy Internship | *** Support | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Food+ Policy internship / Ahiki Acres (affiliated) | *** Support | Mar 11, 2025 |
| Hawai'i Farm Bureau | *** Support | Mar 11, 2025 |
| Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council | *** Support | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Hawaii Department of Agriculture | *** Support | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Board of Agriculture | *** Support | Feb 10, 2025 |
| Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau | *** Support | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Ka'ala Livestock | *** Support | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Kingdom of The Hawaiian Islands | *** Support | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Kingdom of The Hawaiian Islands H.I. | *** Support | Feb 26, 2025 |
| Makaleha Ranch | *** Support | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Moku O Waialua | *** Support | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Office of the Prosecuting Attorney of the County of Hawaiʻi | ** Support | |
| Office of the Public Defender | *** Against | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Ohana Unity Party | *** Support | Mar 18, 2025 |
| Ponoholo Ranch | ** Support |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1220
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: S.B. No. 1257
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. 1257, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CRIME,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Establish and appropriate funds for a permanent Agricultural Crimes Task Force to address the issue of agricultural crime in the State; and
(2) Establish an offense of agricultural crime for committing certain property crimes on agricultural property.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Department of Law Enforcement; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council; Ohana Unity Party; Griffith Livestock Company LLC; Ponoholo Ranch; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of the Attorney General.
Your Committee finds that agricultural crimes are becoming more frequent and pose a serious risk to Hawaii's farmers and ranchers. These offenses not only result in financial hardship but also weaken food security and disrupt the agricultural economy. This measure creates an Agricultural Crimes Task Force within the Department of Agriculture to strengthen enforcement efforts, enhance coordination with law enforcement, and develop strategies to prevent agricultural crimes, ensuring greater security for the State's farming communities.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(2) 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 $500,000.
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. 1257, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1257, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,
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____________________________ KIRSTIN KAHALOA, Chair |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 928
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 1257
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committees on Ways and Means and Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 1257, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CRIME,"
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to address agricultural crimes in the State.
More specifically, this measure:
(1) Establishes an agricultural crimes task force; and
(2) Increases penalties for property crimes committed on agricultural property.
Your Committees received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands, Purple Maia Foundation, and seven individuals.
Your Committees find that agricultural crimes, including theft, vandalism, and trespassing, have significantly impacted the State's agricultural industry, leading to economic losses and safety concerns for farmers and ranchers. Your Committees further find that the task force and stricter penalties established by this measure will help to address the problem of agricultural crimes.
Your Committees note that there are a number of other agricultural crime bills moving through the legislative process. Additionally, your Committees respectfully request that subsequent committees to which this measure is referred consider the proposed amendments offered by the Hawaii Farmers Union United.
As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Ways and Means and Judiciary that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1257, S.D. 1, and recommend that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Ways and Means and Judiciary,
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________________________________ KARL RHOADS, Chair |
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 459
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 1257
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. 1257 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CRIME,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Establish an Agricultural Crimes Task Force;
(2) Establish the offense of agricultural crime to increase penalties for property crimes committed on agricultural property; and
(3) Appropriate funds.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Office of the Prosecuting Attorney of the County of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United; and eleven individuals.
Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Office of the Public Defender.
Your Committee finds that agricultural crimes, including agricultural theft, vandalism, and trespassing, lead to significant economic losses and growing safety concerns for local farmers and ranchers. Your Committee notes that existing law does not define agricultural crimes. This measure seeks to deter potential offenders by establishing a dedicated Task Force to address the issue of agricultural crime in the State and by strengthening penalties for crimes against agricultural property, thereby protecting the safety and livelihood of local farmers and ranchers, agricultural economy, and food security of the State.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount; and
(2) Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion.
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. 1257, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1257, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committees on Ways and Means and Judiciary.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,
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________________________________ MIKE GABBARD, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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|---|---|
| Mar 18, 2025 | SB1257_HD1_TESTIMONY_JHA_03-18-25_.PDF |
| Mar 11, 2025 | SB1257_SD1_TESTIMONY_AGR_03-12-25_.PDF |
| Feb 26, 2025 | SB1257_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM-JDC_02-26-25_.PDF |
| Feb 10, 2025 | SB1257_TESTIMONY_AEN_02-10-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
24MIN
House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
20MIN
House Standing Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):