STAND. COM. REP. NO. 927

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1249

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. 1249, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to address agricultural crime in the State.

More specifically, this measure:

(1) Establishes an agricultural crime prevention program within the Department of Agriculture to provide grants, education, administrative enforcement, and other services for the benefit of the State's agricultural industry;

(2) Establishes, clarifies, and strengthens laws regarding crimes and violations related to agriculture or agricultural lands; and

(3) More clearly distinguishes administrative and criminal penalties.

Your Committees received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Department of the Attorney General, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands, Purple Maia Foundation, and eight individuals.

Your Committees received written comments on this measure from the Hawaii Cattlemen's Council.

Your Committees find that agricultural crimes pose a significant and growing threat to the sustainability and vitality of the State's agricultural industry. Your Committees further find that this measure will provide a comprehensive response to agricultural crimes by strengthening existing legal frameworks and establishing penalties for violations related to agriculture and agricultural lands.

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 Cattlemen's Council.

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. 1249, 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,

________________________________ KARL RHOADS, Chair

________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair