HR 140 Summary

• 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, Session Laws of Hawaii 2012.

• Identifies a lack of nexus requirement between products sold and the subject property as a potential abuse of Act 113's intent, noting current law only requires products be grown somewhere in Hawaii rather than on the specific property.

• Directs the Department of Agriculture to invite relevant stakeholders to the working group, including county planning departments, the Land Use Commission, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Farmers United, agricultural producers, and community advocates.

• Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit a report of the working group's findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2025 Regular Session convenes.

• Directs certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Board of Agriculture, county mayors, and county council chairpersons.