STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2874

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2960

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2960, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FARMERS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require lessees and purchasers of farm lots and ranch lots use that land for farming and producing food; and

(2) Authorize agricultural cooperatives to apply for farmlands.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Agribusiness Development Corporation; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, Inc.; and Hawaii Food+ Policy.

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

Your Committee finds that "gentlemen estates", or homes on agricultural lands where wealthy individuals can purchase large parcels of land on which to live and pursue farming as a hobby, often conflict with bona fide farmers in surrounding areas when dust, odors, smoke, and noise from legitimate farms offend those who live on the gentlemen estates. Additionally, agricultural lands that were developed to create gentlemen estates, where little to no farming exists, also increase the cost of agricultural land, making it nearly impossible for bona fide farmers to purchase farmland. This measure will ensure that agricultural lands are used primarily for productive agricultural purposes.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2960, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

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KARL RHOADS, Chair