HB 2541 Summary

• Prohibits "prohibited foreign parties" from acquiring ownership or interests in agricultural lands within Hawaii's agricultural districts, with limited exceptions for resident aliens.

• Defines "prohibited foreign parties" to include persons subject to International Traffic in Arms regulations, foreign governments from regulated countries, foreign-organized entities, and entities with 33%+ ownership by such parties; also includes U.S. entities of concern designated by the State Department.

• Establishes an Office of Agricultural Intelligence within the Department of Agriculture to investigate unlawful foreign ownership of agricultural land and report violations to the Attorney General.

• Requires the Attorney General to investigate reported violations and initiate civil forfeiture actions in circuit court; provides for court-ordered sale of agricultural land held in violation, with proceeds distributed to lienholders.

• Establishes Class C felony penalties for violations; provides an affirmative defense for resident aliens; takes effect July 1, 2024, with an unspecified appropriation exceeding the state general fund expenditure ceiling.