RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL CRIMES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 14 co-sponsors

House Bill 498 establishes the Hawaii Agricultural Crimes Council and a special fund to combat agricultural theft and fraud, protecting farmers and enhancing food security.

Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 720) as amended in HD 2, recommending referral to FIN.

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Purpose and Intent

House Bill 498 aims to enhance the enforcement of agricultural crimes in Hawaii by establishing the Hawaii Agricultural Crimes Council and creating an Agricultural Enforcement Special Fund. The bill seeks to address the growing concerns related to agricultural theft, fraud, and other crimes that negatively impact the agricultural sector in the state.

Key Provisions

Establishment of the Hawaii Agricultural Crimes Council: The bill proposes the formation of a council tasked with overseeing agricultural crime prevention and enforcement strategies.

Creation of the Agricultural Enforcement Special Fund: This fund will be used to support initiatives aimed at combating agricultural crimes, including funding for investigations, training, and public awareness campaigns.

Appropriations: The bill includes provisions for appropriating funds to the newly established council and the special fund, although specific dollar amounts are not detailed in the current version.

Collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DOA): The bill mandates cooperation between the council and the DOA to ensure effective implementation of agricultural crime prevention measures.

Affected Parties

Agricultural Producers: Farmers and ranchers in Hawaii will benefit from enhanced protections against theft and fraud, potentially leading to increased security and financial stability.

Law Enforcement Agencies: Local law enforcement will receive additional resources and support to address agricultural crimes more effectively.

Consumers: The general public may experience improved food security and safety as agricultural crimes are reduced.

Procedural Aspects and Timeline

Introduced: February 18, 2025

Reported from JHA: The bill was reported from the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) committee with amendments on February 14, 2025.

House Passage: The bill passed the House on February 21, 2025, and was subsequently sent to the Senate.

Senate Actions: The Senate favorably reported the bill on February 28, 2025, and it was passed on the same day.

Governor's Approval: The bill was signed by the Governor on May 13, 2025, and became Act 144, effective immediately.

Conclusion

House Bill 498 represents a significant step towards strengthening the enforcement of agricultural crimes in Hawaii. By establishing a dedicated council and funding mechanism, the bill aims to protect the state's agricultural industry from criminal activities, thereby supporting local farmers and enhancing food security for consumers.

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