THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
2323
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to agriculture.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. (a) There shall be established a farmland transition commission, within the department of agriculture and biosecurity for administrative purposes, to:
(1) Examine existing barriers individuals ages twenty-five through forty face when trying to purchase or access farmland;
(2) Review existing incentives and policies to encourage the transfer of farmland to current or prospective farmers between the ages of twenty-five through forty; and
(3) Make recommendations on possible incentives or policies to assist these individuals in purchasing or accessing farmland.
(b) Members of the farmland transition commission shall include the following:
(1) The chairperson of the board of agriculture and biosecurity, or the chairperson's designee, who shall serve as chair of the commission;
(2) The chairperson of the board of land and natural resources, or the chairperson's designee;
(3) One member of the house of representatives, to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;
(4) One member of the senate, to be appointed by the president of the senate;
(5) A representative from the University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resilience, to be appointed by the chair of the commission;
(6) A representative from an organization representing farmers, to be appointed by the chair of the commission;
(7) One farmer from each county between the ages of twenty-five and forty, to be appointed by the chair of the commission; and
(8) Any other agency or individual deemed appropriate by the chair of the commission.
(c) The members of the farmland transition commission shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in the discharge of their duties.
(d) The department of agriculture and biosecurity shall provide administrative and other support to the farmland transition commission.
(e) The farmland transition commission shall submit an annual report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.
SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026, and shall be repealed on December 31, 2032.
INTRODUCED BY:
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Report Title:
Farmland Transition Commission; Farmland Access; Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity
Description:
Establishes the Farmland Transition Commission to examine barriers certain farmers face when trying to purchase or access farmland and provide recommendations on possible incentives or policies to assist these individuals in purchasing or accessing farmland. Requires an annual report to the Legislature. Sunsets 12/31/2032.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.