HI HB1271

Repeals Chapter 163D of Hawaii Revised Statutes, dissolving the Agribusiness Development Corporation that was established in 1994 to convert plantation lands to economically viable farms.

Transfers all lands held by the corporation and all staff (except the executive director) to the Department of Agriculture, with employees retaining civil service status and benefits.

Removes references to the Agribusiness Development Corporation from various state statutes including provisions on board training requirements, financial disclosure statements, land definitions, and agricultural land conservation programs.

Cites findings from Auditor Report No. 21-01 documenting the corporation's failure to achieve its statutory goals, including poor land management, incomplete recordkeeping, lack of board oversight, and failure to create required agribusiness plans.

Effective date of July 1, 2021.