SB 242 Summary

• Prohibits foreign entities from owning, leasing, or holding a controlling interest in more than a specified number of acres of agricultural land in Hawaii (specific acreage amount left blank in bill text).

• Restricts lease terms for agricultural land sold or leased to foreign entities to a maximum of five years.

• Requires all foreign entities with ownership or leasehold interest in agricultural land to file annual reports with the Department of Agriculture detailing acreage, location, agricultural production type, and ownership changes.

• Establishes a public online registry maintained by the Department of Agriculture listing all foreign-owned agricultural lands with ownership, acreage, and use information.

• Exempts land inherited as part of an estate, non-agricultural uses approved by the Department of Agriculture, short-term leaseholds of five years or less, and agricultural land already owned by foreign entities before July 1, 2025.

• Effective date: July 1, 2050.