Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB1

Introduced
1/15/25  

Caption

Relating To Agricultural Lands.

Impact

The bill will amend Hawaii Revised Statutes to create a new chapter that stipulates restrictions on agricultural land ownership. It establishes the Office of Agricultural Intelligence within the Department of Agriculture, tasked with investigating and enforcing these ownership restrictions. Any violations that result in unlawful acquisition of agricultural lands by prohibited foreign parties will lead to civil actions initiated by the attorney general. This change is expected to augment state oversight of agricultural land use, reinforcing local control over potentially sensitive resources.

Summary

SB1 aims to enhance the protection and sustainability of Hawaii's agricultural lands by prohibiting specific foreign parties from owning or acquiring interests in such lands. The bill identifies 'prohibited foreign parties' as including various entities subject to international arms regulations and foreign governments. This prohibition is positioned as a means to safeguard local agricultural interests and maintain food security within the state. The legislation highlights the state's intent to conserve its agricultural resources, directly aligning with broader economic and social goals.

Conclusion

The enactment of SB1 on July 1, 2025, marks a significant legal shift in the regulatory landscape governing agricultural lands in Hawaii, aiming to balance the need for economic development with the preservation of vital state resources. By formalizing these protections, the bill seeks to cultivate a more resilient agricultural sector, whilst promoting local autonomy and security surrounding land ownership and use.

Contention

While proponents of SB1 argue that it is vital to prevent foreign entities from acquiring Hawaii's agricultural assets, there are concerns regarding its implications for investment and agricultural practices. Opponents of the bill may contend that the restrictions could limit potential foreign investments in local agriculture, which could have adverse effects on agricultural development and sustainability. Moreover, the bill allows exceptions for resident aliens, which may introduce complexities regarding the interpretation and enforcement of ownership laws.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

HI HB845

Relating To Agricultural Lands.

HI HB884

Relating To Agricultural Lands.

IL SB1364

PROHIBITED PROP OWNERSHIP

OK HB1453

Property; foreign owners; procedures; divesting requirements; penalties; Attorney General; enforcement; effective date.

OK HB1308

Foreign ownership of property; defining terms; prohibiting real property ownership by certain parties; repealer; codification; effective date.

TX HB1743

Relating to the holding or acquisition of an interest in real property by or on behalf of certain foreign individuals or entities; establishing an agricultural intelligence office; creating a criminal offense.

US HB1438

Protecting America's Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025This bill prohibits persons associated with the governments of Iran, North Korea, China, or Russia from purchasing or leasing agricultural land in the United States.Specifically, the President must prohibit any person (individual or entity) owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of these foreign governments from purchasing or leasing (1) public agricultural land that is owned by the United States and administered by a federal department or agency, or (2) private agricultural land that is located in the United States.A person that violates or attempts to violate this prohibition is subject to civil and criminal penalties. This prohibition does not require a person that owns or leases agricultural land as of the date of this bill's enactment to sell that land.Further, the President must prohibit a person associated with these foreign governments and who leases, or who has full or partial ownership of, agricultural land in the United States from participating in Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Exceptions are included to allow for participation in USDA programs related to food safety, the health and labor safety of individuals, or certain reporting and disclosure requirements.The bill excludes U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents from these restrictions.The bill also amends the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA) to require reporting on security interests and leases.Finally, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress on AFIDA.

US SB618

Protecting America's Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025This bill prohibits persons associated with the governments of Iran, North Korea, China, or Russia from purchasing or leasing agricultural land in the United States.Specifically, the President must prohibit any person (individual or entity) owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of these foreign governments from purchasing or leasing (1) public agricultural land that is owned by the United States and administered by a federal department or agency, or (2) private agricultural land that is located in the United States.A person that violates or attempts to violate this prohibition is subject to civil and criminal penalties. This prohibition does not require a person that owns or leases agricultural land as of the date of this bill's enactment to sell that land.Further, the President must prohibit a person associated with these foreign governments and who leases, or who has full or partial ownership of, agricultural land in the United States from participating in Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Exceptions are included to allow for participation in USDA programs related to food safety, the health and labor safety of individuals, or certain reporting and disclosure requirements.The bill excludes U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents from these restrictions.The bill also amends the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA) to require reporting on security interests and leases.Finally, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress on AFIDA.