HI HR141

Urges the Department of Agriculture to establish a two-year Agricultural Crime Pilot Project in Honolulu and Kauai to examine and assess effectiveness of prosecuting agricultural theft and vandalism cases.

Requests the Department of Agriculture coordinate with the Department of Law Enforcement and county authorities to hire one full-time enforcement officer for each county, placed within the respective prosecuting attorney's office or law enforcement agency.

Requires assessment of the pilot project's effectiveness through tracking convictions, identifying best practices for prosecution and crime prevention, establishing reporting mechanisms, mapping crime hotspots, and coordinating among police, prosecutors, and the judiciary.

Mandates an interim report to the Legislature by twenty days prior to the 2025 Regular Session and a final report by twenty days prior to the 2026 Regular Session, including findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation.

Addresses agricultural crimes that cost Hawaii farms approximately $14.4 million annually (2019 data), with Honolulu experiencing the highest theft and vandalism rates and Kauai the third highest among all counties.