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HB 929

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL LAND CONVEYANCE TAX.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Della Belatti and 2 co-sponsors

HB 929 modifies Hawaii's tax treatment of agricultural land sales to likely incentivize farmland preservation and reduce conveyance tax burdens on agricultural property transfers.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#agriculturalland #conveyancetaxsurcharge #netcapitalgains
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 929

Legislative bill overview

HB 929 proposes modifications to Hawaii's tax treatment of agricultural land conveyances. The bill, introduced by Representatives Kim Coco Iwamoto, Della Belatti, and Amy Perruso, was referred to the Water, Agriculture & Land (WAL), Agriculture (AGR), and Finance (FIN) committees for review. As of December 2025, the measure was carried over to the 2026 regular session after the WAL committee recommended deferral.

Why is this important

Agricultural land taxation directly affects farm ownership accessibility, land preservation incentives, and Hawaii's ability to maintain local food production capacity. Tax policy on agricultural conveyances can influence whether farmland remains in productive use or converts to development, making this relevant to food security, rural economies, and environmental conservation.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact vs. agricultural preservation: Changes to conveyance taxes on agricultural land may reduce state tax revenue while supporters argue it encourages keeping land in farming rather than development
  • Definition and eligibility questions: Disputes may arise over what qualifies as "agricultural land" and whether tax benefits should apply broadly or have income/acreage restrictions
  • Fairness across property types: Non-agricultural property owners may object to preferential tax treatment for agricultural conveyances, raising horizontal equity concerns

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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