HI SB2334

Creates a new agricultural land conversion fee effective January 1, 2027, imposed on buyers or lessees who convert agricultural land to solar facilities, wind farms, industrial parks, commercial areas, or non-farm residential dwellings.

Sets tiered fee structure: $3,600 per acre for 10 or fewer acres, $3,200 per acre for 10-30 acres, and $2,800 per acre for 30 or more acres.

Establishes the Agricultural Land Conversion Fee Fund within the state treasury, with revenues directed to support soil and water conservation districts, the Healthy Soils Program, and departmental administrative costs.

Exempts agricultural land conversions for personal farmer/landowner use, agricultural infrastructure like livestock operations, state agency projects, high-voltage transmission systems, and conservation practices.

Requires all state lands used for commercial agricultural production to adopt conservation practices including cover crops, no-till farming, nutrient management plans, riparian buffers, and pollinator plantings.