HI SB1374

Department of Agriculture shall negotiate land exchanges with Dole Food Company, Inc., to acquire lands suitable for long-term diversified agricultural production under chapter 171, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Department of Agriculture must coordinate with the Agribusiness Development Corporation, Department of Land and Natural Resources, and other state agencies holding title to state land that may be appropriate for exchange.

Department of Agriculture must submit a report to the legislature no later than 20 days prior to the 2017 regular session convening on the feasibility of land exchanges, descriptions and market values of parcels, and any appropriations or legislative action needed.

Bill addresses the closure of major agricultural operations (Waialua sugar mill in 1996 and Del Monte in 2008) and aims to preserve thousands of acres of Oahu agricultural land currently owned by Dole Food Company and at risk of non-agricultural development.

Act takes effect July 1, 2050.