Hawaii Senate Bill SR145

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Refer: 3/19/24

Caption

Urging The Department Of Agriculture To Establish A Two-year Agricultural Crime Pilot Project To Examine And Assess The Effectiveness Of Prosecuting Agricultural Crime Cases, Including Those Of Agricultural Theft And Agricultural Vandalism, In The City And County Of Honolulu And County Of Kauai.

Impact

The resolution highlights the alarming statistics surrounding agricultural crimes in Hawaii, noting that in 2019 alone, there were nearly 19,000 incidents of theft, vandalism, and trespassing on farms, costing farmers approximately $14.4 million. Many of these incidents often go unreported due to various factors, including a lack of conviction, thus necessitating the proposed pilot project. By implementing this initiative, it is anticipated that the resolution will aid in reducing agricultural crime rates and bolster the success rates of farming and ranching operations.

Summary

Senate Resolution 145 urges the Department of Agriculture to establish a two-year pilot project aimed at assessing the effectiveness of prosecuting agricultural crime cases, specifically focusing on agricultural theft and vandalism, in the City and County of Honolulu and Kauai County. This resolution emerges in response to persistent issues farmers and ranchers face related to agricultural crimes, which significantly impact their operations and profitability.

Contention

A notable aspect of SR145 is its call for collaboration among various agencies, including hiring enforcement officers to conduct more effective prosecutions and improve reporting mechanisms. Additionally, the resolution proposes establishing best practices for prosecution, enhancing coordination between local law enforcement and the judiciary, and making recommendations for a statewide program to tackle agricultural crimes comprehensively. However, the need for implementation may face challenges related to funding and administrative support.