HI SB1185

Establishes a working group within the Department of Agriculture to review and make recommendations on amending or repealing unnecessary or obsolete agricultural laws.

Working group membership includes the Board of Agriculture chairperson (as chair), Board of Land and Natural Resources chairperson, Director of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Agribusiness Development Corporation executive director, representatives from all four county mayors, and invited representatives from Hawaii Farm Bureau, Hawaii Agriculture Research Center, Hawaii Cattlemen's Council, and Hawaii Farmers Union.

Requires the working group to first review laws affecting agricultural viability including restrictions on state agricultural leases (residence and poultry/swine prohibitions), agricultural loan rate caps, farm labor regulations, water access and permitting, and state procurement policies for locally grown food.

Requires the working group to submit findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2026 regular session convenes, and the working group terminates on June 30, 2026.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Department of Agriculture for the working group's operations.