THE SENATE S.B. NO. 496 THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 S.D. 1 STATE OF HAWAII A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
THE SENATE S.B. NO. 496
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII
THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
496
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO AGRICULTURE.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the absence of a clear and comprehensive definition for "bona fide farmer" in the State has several far-reaching impacts, including inconsistencies in allocating agricultural resources, confusion in implementing tax and land use policies, and difficulties in achieving sustainable agricultural goals. Establishing clear, universal definitions for the term "bona fide farmer" and "bona fide agricultural activity" would provide a foundation for more effective policy implementation, ensure that resources are directed to those truly engaged in farming, and help the State achieve its agricultural and environmental objectives. Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the board of agriculture to define the terms "bona fide farmer" and "bona fide agricultural activity". SECTION 2. (a) The board of agriculture shall draft comprehensive definitions for the terms "bona fide farmer" and "bona fide agricultural activity" to be placed in section 141-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes. (b) The definition for "bona fide farmer" shall outline the following criteria: (1) Minimum income threshold; (2) Primary occupation; (3) Farm size or scale; and (4) Commercial focus. The definition for "bona fide farmer" shall also include the term "bona fide agricultural activity". (c) The board of agriculture shall solicit and incorporate stakeholder input in drafting the definitions required under subsection (a). (d) The department of agriculture shall submit a report of the drafted definitions for the terms "bona fide farmer" and "bona fide agricultural activity", including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026. SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the absence of a clear and comprehensive definition for "bona fide farmer" in the State has several far-reaching impacts, including inconsistencies in allocating agricultural resources, confusion in implementing tax and land use policies, and difficulties in achieving sustainable agricultural goals. Establishing clear, universal definitions for the term "bona fide farmer" and "bona fide agricultural activity" would provide a foundation for more effective policy implementation, ensure that resources are directed to those truly engaged in farming, and help the State achieve its agricultural and environmental objectives.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the board of agriculture to define the terms "bona fide farmer" and "bona fide agricultural activity".
SECTION 2. (a) The board of agriculture shall draft comprehensive definitions for the terms "bona fide farmer" and "bona fide agricultural activity" to be placed in section 141-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
(b) The definition for "bona fide farmer" shall outline the following criteria:
(1) Minimum income threshold;
(2) Primary occupation;
(3) Farm size or scale; and
(4) Commercial focus.
The definition for "bona fide farmer" shall also include the term "bona fide agricultural activity".
(c) The board of agriculture shall solicit and incorporate stakeholder input in drafting the definitions required under subsection (a).
(d) The department of agriculture shall submit a report of the drafted definitions for the terms "bona fide farmer" and "bona fide agricultural activity", including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title: BOA; Bona Fide Farmer; Bona Fide Agricultural Activity; Definitions; Report Description: Requires the Board of Agriculture to define the terms "bona fide farmer" and "bona fide agricultural activity". Requires a report to the Legislature. (SD1) The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
Report Title:
BOA; Bona Fide Farmer; Bona Fide Agricultural Activity; Definitions; Report
Description:
Requires the Board of Agriculture to define the terms "bona fide farmer" and "bona fide agricultural activity". Requires a report to the Legislature. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.