HI SB239

Requires the department of agriculture to establish a two-year agricultural theft pilot project focused on investigating and prosecuting agricultural theft and agricultural vandalism in Hawaii County.

Department of agriculture must partner with Hawaii County to hire an enforcement officer within the prosecuting attorney's office.

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

Appropriates $100,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2017-2018 as a grant-in-aid to the Hawaii County prosecuting attorney's office to implement the pilot project.

Takes effect July 1, 2017, with a final report to the legislature due by December 31, 2019.