HI SCR177

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

Sets asking price for the land purchase between $175,000,000 and $200,000,000, to be funded through general obligation bonds and revenue bonds.

Specifies that bonds would be repaid from tenant leases and revenues from the Waiahole Ditch on the acquired property.

Identifies lands suitable for conservation or preservation to be transferred to the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Cites Hawaii's constitutional mandate to conserve agricultural lands and the state's goal of increasing food self-sufficiency, as Hawaii currently imports 85-90 percent of its food.