HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1456
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to important agricultural lands.

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

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 205, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part III to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§205-   Important agricultural lands; food production requirement; export prohibition. (a)  Beginning July 1, 2017, fifty per cent of the total acreage of any lands identified or designated as important agricultural lands in accordance with this part that are located within a county consisting of at least three populated islands, shall be set aside for production of agricultural commodities for local sale and consumption in the State; provided that:

(1) The landowner shall designate the parcel of land that will be used to meet the fifty per cent set aside requirement; and

(2) The parcel of land designated by the landowner shall be contiguous, intact, and functional.

(b)  The commission shall notify any farmer or landowner filing a petition with the commission for declaratory order to designate lands qualifying under section 205-44 as important agricultural lands, of the requirements of this section prior to designation of the land as important agricultural land.

(c)  The commission, in consultation with the department of agriculture and department of land and natural resources, shall determine on an annual basis whether a landowner or lessee is in compliance with the requirements of this section.

(d)  Lands identified in subsection (a) shall be eligible for increased incentive and protection programs pursuant to section 205-46(c)."

     SECTION 2.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2017.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Important Agricultural Lands; Commodity Production Requirements; Restricted Use

Description:

Requires that 50 percent of lands designated as important agricultural lands be set aside for production of agricultural commodities for local sale and consumption.

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