HB2613 Summary

• Allows the legislature to designate lands with soil classified as class A or B productivity (irrigated or with sufficient water for sustained high crop yields) as important agricultural lands by concurrent resolution requiring majority vote in both houses.

• Designation requires tax map key numbers of the land and demonstrable proof of qualification under existing statutes to protect agricultural lands, promote diversified agriculture, or control future growth and development.

• Responds to decline of class A and B agricultural lands from 359,690 acres in 1960 to 172,094 acres by 2007, with designation targeting counties with population over 500,000 residents.

• Implements Hawaii Constitution article XI, section 3 mandate to conserve and protect agricultural lands and ensure availability of agriculturally suitable lands.

• Takes effect upon approval.