HI HB501

Establishes an Agricultural Enforcement Program within the Department of Law Enforcement to combat agricultural theft and related crimes, led by an assistant chief administrator with experience in addressing agricultural theft

Creates the Agricultural Enforcement Special Fund to support program operations including training, equipment, research, technology, and personnel costs

Authorizes hiring of state law enforcement officers and investigators, including volunteer officers, to focus on theft of agricultural products or commodities across all four counties

Requires memoranda of agreement with the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DLNR) and county police departments for coordination

Responds to documented agricultural crime losses of approximately $14.4 million in Hawaii (per 2019 USDA report) and 144 reported agricultural offenses in Hawaii County in 2020