HB 1713 Summary

• Creates a new Agricultural Enterprises chapter in Hawaii Revised Statutes to authorize the Department of Agriculture to plan, design, construct, operate, and manage infrastructure on lands under its jurisdiction to support agriculture.

• Establishes an Agricultural Enterprise Program allowing the Department to accept transfer of agricultural lands from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, with separate rules distinct from existing agricultural park and non-agricultural park programs.

• Permits the Department and its lessees to develop and manage agricultural enterprises on public lands set aside by executive order, other approved lands, and lands acquired through foreclosure or voluntary surrender.

• Authorizes disposition of agricultural enterprise lands by lease, negotiation, drawing of lots, conversion, or public auction with lease terms between 15 and 65 years, requiring lessees to derive major income from agricultural activities on the premises.

• Establishes protections for institutional lenders holding security interests in agricultural leases, including rights to new leases if original leases are canceled and limitations on rent increases during periods of outstanding loan balances.