THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	761
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to the north kohala kynnersly east site land parcel.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that a robust agricultural sector is integral to the State's long-term economic stability, food security, and environmental stability. A strong agricultural sector is essential for reducing the State's reliance on imported goods, preserving its cultural heritage, and providing local employment opportunities. The north Kohala district of Hawaii island, with its unique climate, fertile soils, and abundant natural resources presents an invaluable opportunity for strategic investment in the State's agricultural sector. While the agricultural legacy of north Kohala continues to thrive with a greater emphasis on sustainable farming practices, important parcels of land for agricultural production and processing in the region have remained defunct for extended periods as the agricultural sector has contracted due to shifts in markets and key funding mechanisms.

The legislature further finds that farmers local to the region and agricultural organizations are committed to preserving north Kohala's unique heritage, while embracing innovative practices to ensure the long-term viability of farming in the area. Efforts to improve water conservation, restore native ecosystems, and protect the region's agricultural land are central to the community's ongoing resilience. Investment in this region can enhance the State's agricultural production capacity; support small, family-run and -owned farms; and contribute to the revitalization of a rural and historically underserved area. Investment in agricultural land in north Kohala offers significant potential for the development of sustainable agricultural practices, creation of job opportunities, and increased food self-sufficiency. Such investments in this region, and regions that are similar in composition and rural location, align with the State's broader goals of promoting environmental stewardship and ensuring the long-term viability of its agricultural sector.

The legislature also finds that the agricultural development corporation is uniquely positioned to oversee the purchase, management, and responsible development of agricultural lands in this region. The agricultural development corporation's expertise will ensure that these strategic investments are maximized for the benefit of the State's agricultural sector and rural communities, and will foster resilience and sustainability for generations to come.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds to the agricultural development corporation to complete the purchase of the fee simple interest in the north Kohala Kynnersly east site land parcel which comprises the following tax map keys: (3) 5-3-4:19, (3) 5-4-11:18, and (3) 5-4-11:48.

SECTION 2. The director of finance is authorized to issue general obligation bonds in the sum of $2,600,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary is appropriated for fiscal year 2025-2026 for the purpose of financing the purchase of parcels of land for agricultural development identified as the following tax map keys: (3) 5-3-4:19, (3) 5-4-11:18, and (3) 5-4-11:48.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated in section 2 of this Act shall be expended by the agricultural development corporation for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. The appropriation made for the capital improvement project authorized by this Act shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal biennium for which the appropriation is made; provided that all moneys from the appropriation unencumbered as of June 30, 2028, shall lapse as of that date.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

ADC; North Kohala; GO Bonds; Agriculture; Agricultural Development; Appropriations

Description:

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds to the Agricultural Development Corporation for the purchase of the North Kohala Kynnersly East Site Land Parcel for agricultural development.

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