HI HB783

Establishes a two-year agricultural theft and vandalism pilot project in Hawaii County to examine the effectiveness of prosecuting agricultural theft and vandalism cases.

Department of Agriculture must partner with Hawaii County to hire an enforcement officer within the prosecuting attorney's office or other law enforcement agency.

Department must assess the pilot project by January 1, 2019, evaluating conviction numbers, prosecution best practices, high-crime areas, prevention strategies, and recommendations for a statewide program.

Department of Agriculture shall submit findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the legislature by December 31, 2019, and determine whether to continue, expand, or end the pilot project.

Appropriates unspecified general revenue funds for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to establish and implement the pilot project; effective July 1, 2017.