STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1408

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: S.B. No. 739

S.D. 2

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems, to which was referred S.B. No. 739, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LAND EXCHANGE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Allow the Governor to negotiate land exchanges, subject to approval by the Board of Land and Natural Resources, to acquire lands that are suitable for long-term diversified agricultural production in exchange for land for private affordable, workforce, or other housing development; and

(2) Require the Governor to submit a report to the Legislature prior to the Regular Session of 2026.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Agribusiness Development Corporation; Hawaii Food+ Policy; Hawai‘i Farm Bureau; and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii's shift away from plantation agriculture has left vast tracts of former sugar and pineapple lands unused, while the State simultaneously faces a severe shortage of affordable and workforce housing. This measure establishes a framework for the State to negotiate land exchanges that align with agricultural sustainability and housing development needs, ensuring efficient land use for public benefit.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 739, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems,

____________________________

KIRSTIN KAHALOA, Chair