Legislative Members

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Senate District 4
North Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, North Kona

Room: 202
Phone: 808-586-6760
Fax: 808-586-6689
senrichards@capitol.hawaii.gov

Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III was elected to the Hawaii State Senate in 2022 to represent the north shore of Hawai‘i Island — from North Kona, through North and South Kohala, to North Hilo. He is a sixth generation "kama‘aina" resident of Hawaii and third-generation to the Big Island. Born and raised in North Kohala, he grew up working on the family owned and operated Kahua Ranch, a cattle and sheep operation. Tim Richards education includes a minor in chemistry and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Washington State University in 1984. His career experience includes working as a veterinarian with Veterinary Associates, Inc., the president and general manager of Kahua Ranch Ltd., and a Hawai‘i County Councilman. He began his journey of becoming an "accidental" politician after being elected to the Hawai‘i County Council in 2016.

Through these life experiences, and many more, he has a deep appreciation for the lands of Hawaii and the people who work and steward those lands. Leveraging collaborative partnerships in his community, he brings people together — especially those who have no seat at the table.

He is a businessperson, a man of science: dollars and details matter. As an island in the middle of the Pacific, he believes we must come together to become more "self-reliant" and united as one Hawai‘i. His vision is to:

- Ignite the agriculture industry to power our local economy.
- Develop renewable energy options for Hawai‘i
- Update our infrastructure.
- Responsibly manage and steward our land and water resources.
- Take care of our homeless neighbors.
- Spark economic growth.
- Improve access to rural healthcare.
- Remove the barriers and build affordable/workforce housing.

Education:
Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
Bachelor of Science Veterinary Science 1981, Minor in Chemistry
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 1984

Professional:
Hawaii State Senator: District 4

•	Elected November 2022, Assistant Majority Whip
•	Vice Chair of Agriculture and Environment; Committee Member: Education, Commerce & Consumer Protection, Hawaiian Affairs

Hawaii County Councilman: County of Hawaii

•	Term: December 2016-2018, Re-elected 2018-2020, 2020-2022
•	Chairman County Council Committee on Agriculture, Water, Energy, and Environmental Management 2016-2022

Veterinary Associates Inc., Kamuela, Hawaii

(General & Referral Mixed Animal Practice: 5 doctors, 14 technicians)

•	Staff Veterinarian: 1984 to Present
•	President: 1994 to 2007, Vice-President: 2007 to Present

Kahua Ranch Ltd., Kohala, Hawaii

(Family Owned & Operated Cattle & Sheep Ranch: 3500 mother cows, 400 mother ewes; includes diversified Agriculture Tourism and Diversified Agriculture related Enterprises)

•	Mainland Marketing: 1995 to 2013
•	Livestock Manager: 1999 to 2013
•	President & General Manager: February 2004 to 2013

Kahua Ranch Ltd., Kohala, Hawaii

(Family Owned & Operated Cattle & Sheep Ranch: 1000 mother cows, 425 mother ewes)

•	Partner & General Manager January 2021 to Present

Professional Associations, Boards, and E‌xperiences:
Elected Office

•	National Association of Counties (NaCO): 2016 to 2022
•	National Board of Directors; Member at Large / Presidential Appointment: 2018 to Present

Veterinary

•	American Association of Bovine Practitioners: 1984 to Present
•	American Society of Theriogenology: 1984 to 2018
•	American Veterinary Medical Association: 1980 to Present

◦	Congressional contact point: 1990 to 2015

•	Academy of Veterinary Consultants: 2000 to Present

◦	Standards of Practice Committee Member: 2002 to 2017
◦	Beef Cattle Health and Well Being Committee: Founding Chair 2006 to 2008, Committee Member 2006 to 2018
◦	Board of Directors: Western Regional Delegate April 2005 to 2008
◦	Liaison to United States Animal Health Association 2014 to 2020

•	Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association: 1984 to 2022

◦	Executive Committee 1988 to 1993, Vice President 1988-1989

•	Hawaii State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners: 1994 to 2002

◦	Vice Chairman 2000-2001, Chairman 2001-2002

•	Hawaii State Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Regulated Industries Complaints Office- Veterinary Advisory and Review Board: January 2004 to Present
•	United States Animal Health Association:

◦	Industry Delegate from the Western States Livestock Health Association Industry & Executive Board
◦	Member February 2005 to Present (WSLHA is the Western District of USAHA)
◦	Member Animal Welfare Committee 2005 to Present
◦	Member Import / Export Committee 2013 to Present, Vice Chair 2020 to Present
◦	Member International Standards Committee 2013 to 2022
◦	District at Large Committee 2005-Present; Vice Chair 2018-Present

Ranching

•	Palani Ranch: Board of Directors 2009 to Present

◦	Operations Committee 2013 to Present

•	Ponoholo Ranch Ltd: Board of Directors 2004 to 2018

◦	Evaluations Committee 2012 to 2018

•	Kahua Ranch Ltd: Board of Directors 1984 to 2013
•	Hawaii Cattle Producers Cooperative:

◦	Board Member 2006 to 2012
◦	Animal Welfare Chair 2006 – 2011
◦	Hawaii Country Beef Chair 2008 – 2011
◦	Marketing Committee 2008 to 2009

•	National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Member: 1994 To Present

◦	Animal Health and Welfare Committee Member 1995 To 2014
◦	Membership Committee Member 1995 To 2004
◦	Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator 2006 to Present

•	Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council (State Association):

◦	Executive Committee 1994 To 2012
◦	Membership Committee Chair 1994 To 2004
◦	Education Committee Member 1994 to 2010
◦	Animal Welfare Committee Chair 2005 to 2010
◦	President Elect / Vice President 2008 to 2010
◦	President 2010 to 2012

•	Hawaii Cattlemen’s Association (County Association):

◦	Executive Committee 1994 To 2010
◦	Animal Welfare Chair 1996 To 2010
◦	Membership Committee Chair 1994 To 2005
◦	Vice President 1998 to 2000, President 2000 to 2002

•	National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Young Cattlemen’s Conference: Participant 1996

Civic

•	Atherton Family Foundation: Vice-President 2018 - Present
•	County of Hawaii Agriculture Advisory Commission to the Mayor

◦	2009 to 2016, Vice Chair 2014-2015, Chair 2015-2016

•	Paniolo Preservation Society

◦	Board Member June 2011 to 2019

•	Rotary International Group Study Exchange Participant to Israel: 1987
•	Washington State University Cougar Crew Alumni Association

◦	Founding Chair and Chairman March 2005 to Present

•	Washington State University Foundation

◦	Board of Trustee September 2010 to 2019
◦	Recognition and Stewardship Committee 2013 to 2019

•	YMCA Sustaining Membership Chairman 1998
•	YWCA Blue Ribbon Capital Campaign 2022 - Present

Awards & Recognition

•	Washington State University Distinguished Service Award 2023
•	Hawaii Farm Bureau Legislator of the Year 2020
•	Washington State University Cougar Crew Alumni Association:

◦	Endowment Fund named “Tim Richards Cougar Crew Endowment” Spring 2018

•	Academy of Veterinary Consultants 2011 Consultant of the Year
•	Washington State University Cougar Crew Alumni Association:

◦	Ken Struckmeyer Founders Award 2010

•	National Cattlemen’s Beef Association “Top Hand” Membership Recruiting

◦	1998 to 2001, 2003 to 2005

•	Hawaii Cattlemen’s Association 1999 Cattlemen of the Year

2026 Committee Member of

2026 Allowance Report

Expenditure Report

Measures Introduced in 2026

Measure and Title
SB35 SD1 RELATING TO THE RENTAL HOUSING REVOLVING FUND.
SB71 SD2 HD1 RELATING TO THE RENTAL HOUSING REVOLVING FUND.
SB127 SD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL GRANTS.
SB130 RELATING TO SEARCH AND RESCUE.
SB131 RELATING TO PROCUREMENT.
SB137 SD2 HD1 RELATING TO ELECTRIC UTILITIES.
SB139 RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.
SB142 SD2 RELATING TO INSURANCE.
SB143 RELATING TO SPECIAL NUMBER PLATES.
SB144 SD2 RELATING TO CHIROPRACTIC.
SB146 SD1 HD2 RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.
SB148 SD2 HD2 RELATING TO COMBAT SPORTS.
SB149 RELATING TO ACCESSIBILITY.
SB152 SD1 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.
SB161 SD1 RELATING TO COUNTY PERMITTING AND INSPECTION.
SB165 RELATING TO HOUSING.
SB167 RELATING TO PERMITS.
SB177 SD1 HD1 RELATING TO AQUACULTURE.
SB205 RELATING TO THE COMMISSION ON WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT.
SB208 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.
SB220 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION FINANCING.
SB221 RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS.
SB225 RELATED TO DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE.
SB293 RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS.
SB296 RELATING TO MINORS.
SB297 PROPOSING A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF HAWAII TO PROTECT THE RIGHT TO REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM.
SB298 SD1 HD1 RELATING TO HUMAN SERVICES.
SB299 SD2 HD1 RELATING TO LOAN REPAYMENT FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.
SB301 SD1 HD1 RELATING TO DOGS.
SB310 RELATING TO TAXATION.
SB315 RELATING TO FERAL PIGS.
SB324 RELATING TO PHARMACISTS.
SB350 SD1 PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE HAWAII CONSTITUTION TO PROTECT THE RIGHT TO CONTRACEPTION.
SB354 RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION.
SB391 SD1 RELATING TO RECYCLING.
SB421 SD1 RELATING TO LITERACY.
SB422 HD1 RELATING TO EDUCATION.
SB434 RELATING TO TREATMENT FOR MENTAL ILLNESS.
SB450 SD1 RELATING TO AUTISM.
SB492 SD1 RELATING TO GENERAL EXCISE TAX.
SB493 SD1 RELATING TO VETERINARIANS.
SB494 SD2 RELATING TO CHARTER SCHOOLS.
SB495 RELATING TO MEAT PROCESSING.
SB496 SD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
SB497 RELATING TO EDUCATION.
SB498 SD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL WORKFORCE HOUSING.
SB499 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
SB500 SD1 RELATING TO COFFEE LABELING.
SB501 SD1 RELATING TO CESSPOOLS.
SB502 RELATING TO VEHICLES.
SB503 RELATING TO DAM AND RESERVOIR SAFETY.
SB504 SD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
SB505 RELATING TO THE MINIMUM WAGE.
SB506 SD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
SB507 RELATING TO MEAT PROCESSING.
SB508 RELATING TO SEARCH AND RESCUE.
SB509 RELATING TO FOOD SUPPLY.
SB510 RELATING TO THE LAPAKAHI MARINE LIFE CONSERVATION DISTRICT.
SB511 SD1 RELATING TO HOUSING.
SB512 RELATING TO FIREFIGHTING.
SB513 SD1 RELATING TO WATER.
SB514 RELATING TO WILDFIRES.
SB515 RELATING TO THE SUGAR-SWEETENED BEVERAGES FEE PROGRAM.
SB516 RELATING TO LAND USE.
SB517 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
SB518 RELATING TO COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY PERMITS.
SB519 RELATING TO AQUATIC LIFE.
SB520 SD1 RELATING TO WASTEWATER SYSTEMS.
SB521 RELATING TO ACCESS TO WATER ON HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.
SB522 SD1 RELATING TO THE HALAULA AGRICULTURAL PARCEL.
SB523 SD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL BIOSECURITY.
SB528 RELATING TO MARRIAGE OF MINORS.
SB534 SD1 RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
SB536 RELATING TO AN ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS LABORATORY.
SB537 RELATING TO ORGANIC WASTE.
SB549 RELATING TO SCHOOL MEALS.
SB560 RELATING TO MARRIAGE OF MINORS.
SB563 SD1 RELATING TO WATER INFRASTRUCTURE.
SB564 RELATING TO INFRASTRUCTURE.
SB565 SD1 RELATING TO POLOLU VALLEY MANAGEMENT EFFORTS ON HAWAII ISLAND.
SB566 RELATING TO THE SPAYING AND NEUTERING OF ANIMALS.
SB567 RELATING TO TAXATION.
SB568 RELATING TO FERAL ANIMALS.
SB569 RELATING TO HEALTH.
SB570 RELATING TO GOATS.
SB575 RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVIEWS.
SB581 SD1 RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
SB582 SD1 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM.
SB584 RELATING TO THE NATURAL ENERGY LABORATORY OF HAWAII AUTHORITY.
SB605 RELATING TO EDUCATION.
SB607 RELATING TO DISABLED VETERANS.
SB737 RELATED TO TOXIC CHEMICALS.
SB759 RELATING TO THE HAWAII HOUSING FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
SB760 RELATING TO LAND USE.
SB761 RELATING TO THE NORTH KOHALA KYNNERSLY EAST SITE LAND PARCEL.
SB762 SD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CRIMES.
SB763 SD2 HD3 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.
SB764 RELATING TO PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE.
SB765 SD1 RELATING TO BEEKEEPING.
SB766 RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS.
SB767 RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII'S SPACE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING INITIATIVE.
SB768 RELATING TO TAXATION.
SB769 RELATING TO MAUNA KEA.
SB770 RELATING TO MAUNA KEA.
SB835 RELATING TO PUPIL TRANSPORTATION.
SB836 SD1 RELATING TO WATER CATCHMENT SYSTEMS.
SB837 RELATING TO PUPIL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY.
SB838 SD2 RELATING TO HEALTH INSURANCE.
SB840 RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
SB846 RELATING TO EMERGENCY POWERS.
SB859 RELATING TO PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT.
SB867 SD2 RELATING TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
SB868 RELATING TO THE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER CERTIFICATION SUBSIDY PILOT PROGRAM.
SB871 SD1 RELATING TO ARSON.
SB872 RELATING TO EDUCATION.
SB953 RELATING TO HOSPITALS.
SB958 SD1 RELATING TO CESSPOOLS.
SB971 SD2 RELATING TO TRAFFIC.
SB981 SD1 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM.
SB982 RELATING TO A STATE HOTEL.
SB989 SD1 HD1 RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
SB1003 SD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT.
SB1014 RELATING TO THE HAWAII STATE ENERGY OFFICE.
SB1035 SD2 HD2 RELATING TO CONSUMER PROTECTION.
SB1046 SD1 RELATING TO CONDOMINIUMS.
SB1050 SD1 RELATING TO INSURANCE.
SB1054 RELATING TO PAID FAMILY LEAVE.
SB1069 RELATING TO CANNABIS.
SB1070 SD1 RELATING TO HEALTHCARE PRECEPTORS.
SB1072 RELATING TO INVASIVE SPECIES.
SB1100 SD2 HD2 RELATING TO BIOSECURITY.
SB1109 RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW PROCESS.
SB1110 RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
SB1111 SD1 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.
SB1112 RELATING TO THE HAWAII COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.
SB1113 RELATING TO THE KOHALA DITCH.
SB1114 RELATING TO HOUSING.
SB1163 RELATING TO PRIVACY.
SB1189 RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
SB1190 RELATING TO THE HAWAII INVASIVE SPECIES COUNCIL.
SB1201 SD1 RELATING TO WILDFIRES.
SB1226 SD1 RELATING TO FIREWORKS.
SB1247 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL LAND.
SB1248 RELATING TO THE CRANSTON DUKE PIA ACT.
SB1250 SD1 HD1 RELATING TO FARM TO FAMILIES.
SB1251 RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL TOURISM.
SB1266 SD1 RELATING TO BURIAL SITES.
SB1274 RELATING TO TEACHER WORKFORCE HOUSING.
SB1493 SD1 RELATING TO SERVICE ANIMALS.
SB1494 SD2 RELATING TO HEARING AIDS.
SB1496 SD1 HD2 RELATING TO CIVIL RIGHTS.
SB1518 RELATING TO ENERGY.
SB1521 RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.
SB1537 RELATING TO WILDLIFE CONSERVATION.
SB1538 RELATING TO NATIVE HAWAIIANS.
SB1539 SD1 RELATING TO THE AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
SB1540 RELATING TO BUILDING CODES.
SB1541 SD1 HD1 RELATING TO THE WAIAHOLE WATER SYSTEM.
SB1544 RELATING TO WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES IN SCHOOLS.
SB1546 RELATING TO RETIRED TEACHERS.
SB1559 SD1 RELATING TO DUNE RESTORATION.
SB1560 RELATING TO HOUSING RESILIENCY.
SB1569 SD1 RELATING TO SPORTS WAGERING.
SB1570 SD1 RELATING TO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
SB1610 SD2 HD1 RELATING TO OHANA ZONES.
SB1618 RELATING TO JOURNALISM.
SB1622 SD1 RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
SB1633 SD1 RELATING TO HEMP.
SB1653 RELATING TO THE HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMISSION ACT, 1920, AS AMENDED.
SB1654 RELATING TO LAND TRANSFERS.
SB1655 RELATING TO MANUFACTURED HEMP PRODUCTS.
SB1656 SD1 RELATING TO PUMPED STORAGE HYDROPOWER.
SB1657 SD2 HD2 RELATING TO THE AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

Hawai'i State Legislature

Senator Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III (D)

Assistant Majority Whip