Hawaii Senate Bill SCR52

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 4/3/24
• Engrossed: 4/4/24
• Refer: 4/5/24
• Report Pass: 4/15/24
• Refer: 4/15/24

Caption

Requesting The Board Of Agriculture To Conduct A Study On The Percentages Of Agricultural Lands Being Leased By The State That Are Suitable For Farming And Actively Being Used For Farming Purposes And Certain Dollar Amounts Relating To Lease Transfers.

Impact

The study called for in SCR52 is intended to shed light on the utilization of agricultural lands leased by the state, particularly focusing on identifying instances where such leases may be underutilized or incorrectly allocated. It highlights concerns that some leases are being used primarily for non-agricultural purposes or residences, which undermines the state's agricultural goals. The findings from this study could lead to potential revisions in state lease policies that promote better use of agricultural lands, thereby enhancing food production capabilities and supporting local farmers.

Summary

SCR52 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that requests the Board of Agriculture in Hawaii to conduct a study on the percentages of state-leased agricultural lands that are suitable for farming and actively utilized for agricultural purposes. The resolution emphasizes the importance of these lands in achieving the state's goals of economic diversification and food self-sufficiency, as well as the need to assess how effectively these leases serve their intended agricultural function. The resolution aims to gather data to inform future legislative decisions about agricultural land use in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SCR52 appears to be generally supportive among legislators who recognize the significance of productive agricultural lands for the state’s economy and sustainability. However, there are underlying tensions regarding the inefficiencies in current lease agreements and their impacts on local farming initiatives. The resolution aims to address these issues constructively and foster a supportive environment for agricultural development, suggesting a collective recognition of the need for improvement in land management practices.

Contention

A notable point of contention related to SCR52 revolves around the potential for leases to be transferred for profit that does not directly benefit agricultural production. It raises questions about how subsidized leases may inadvertently allow for financial windfalls for lessees who re-lease these lands at higher rates without necessarily increasing agricultural output. This aspect could lead to discussions about regulatory adjustments to ensure state resources are used effectively in support of the agricultural sector, possibly affecting current lessees' rights and market practices.