STAND. COM. REP. NO. 928
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 1257
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. 1257, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CRIME,"
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to address agricultural crimes in the State.
More specifically, this measure:
(1) Establishes an agricultural crimes task force; and
(2) Increases penalties for property crimes committed on agricultural property.
Your Committees received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers Union, Kingdom of the Hawaiian Islands, Purple Maia Foundation, and seven individuals.
Your Committees find that agricultural crimes, including theft, vandalism, and trespassing, have significantly impacted the State's agricultural industry, leading to economic losses and safety concerns for farmers and ranchers. Your Committees further find that the task force and stricter penalties established by this measure will help to address the problem of agricultural crimes.
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 Farmers Union United.
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. 1257, 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 |
|
|
|
|