HI HR159

Urges the State of Hawaii to purchase 123 parcels of agricultural land totaling approximately 22,500 acres from Dole Food Company, Inc.

Identifies the land parcels by specific tax map keys across multiple districts and establishes the purchase price range between $175,000,000 and $200,000,000.

Authorizes the State to finance the purchase using general obligation bonds and revenue bonds, with repayment funded by current tenant leases including revenues from the Waiahole Ditch.

Supports the State's constitutional mandate to conserve agricultural lands, promote diversified agriculture, and increase food self-sufficiency, given that Hawaii currently imports 85-90 percent of its food.

Directs transmission of the resolution to the Governor, Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, with provisions to transfer suitable conservation lands to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.