HI SB687

Establishes a new leasing process for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to lease public lands directly to qualified farmers for agricultural activities without public auction.

Requires applicants to be qualified farmers, U.S. citizens or permanent residents with 3+ years Hawaii residency, possess sound credit, and demonstrate capacity to carry out agricultural activities.

Mandates a public notice and comment period within 60 days of application submission, with mandatory notification to adjoining property owners if the proposed activity affects their property or rights.

Specifies lease terms including annual rent set by the department, bonds for performance, exclusive harvest rights for cultivated plants/animals, and grounds for lease revocation for non-performance or violations.

Requires the Agribusiness Development Corporation to provide marketing analysis, promotional strategies, technical training, and business assistance to farmers leasing public land under this new process.