HI HCR161

Requests the Department of Agriculture to convene a working group to review the effectiveness of state laws governing agricultural-based commercial operations authorized under Act 113 (2012).

Working group should include county planning and agricultural departments, the Land Use Commission, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers United, agricultural producers operating commercial operations, and community advocates.

Addresses concerns that current law lacks a requirement for agricultural-based commercial operations to have a nexus to products grown on the subject property, allowing potential abuse of the law's original intent.

Department of Agriculture must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2025 Regular Session convenes.

Certified copies to be transmitted to the Governor, Board of Agriculture Chairperson, county mayors, and county council chairpersons.