STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1461

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

 

RE:   S.B. No. 1657

      S.D. 2

      H.D. 2

 

 

 

 

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

 

Madame:

 

     Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 1657, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to authorize the Agribusiness Development Corporation to acquire by condemnation any real property or interest in real property, under certain conditions.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture; Agribusiness Development Corporation; and Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau.

 

     Your Committee finds that increasing competition for land and water access has made it more challenging for farmers to sustain and expand agricultural operations, putting the future of local food production at risk.  This measure enhances the Agribusiness Development Corporation's authority to acquire, protect, and manage agricultural lands, ensuring they remain designated for farming and support diversified agriculture.  By strengthening land preservation efforts and securing vital resources, this measure helps promote long-term agricultural sustainability and food security in Hawaii.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1657, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1657, S.D. 2, H.D. 2.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair