Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HB845

Introduced
1/23/25  

Caption

Relating To Agricultural Lands.

Impact

The law, if enacted, would amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes to create a new chapter focusing on the acquisition of agricultural lands. It mandates the establishment of an Office of Agricultural Intelligence within the Department of Agriculture, tasked specifically with investigating claims of unlawful land possession by prohibited foreign entities. The Attorney General would be empowered to enforce the law through investigations and civil actions, thereby increasing scrutiny over land ownership in Hawaii and addressing potential threats to local interests and security.

Summary

House Bill 845 is a legislative measure aimed at safeguarding Hawaii's agricultural lands by prohibiting certain foreign parties from owning or acquiring interests in agricultural properties within the state. The bill establishes regulations detailing what constitutes a prohibited foreign party, principally targeting entities that fall under the International Traffic in Arms regulations. By restricting foreign ownership, the bill seeks to fulfill the state's commitment to protect its agricultural industry, which is vital to Hawaii's economy and social welfare.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB 845 is expected to arise primarily around issues of property rights and economic implications for foreign investments. Proponents of the bill argue that limiting foreign ownership is crucial for ensuring local control over agriculture and preserving food security, while opponents may contend that such restrictions could deter investment and stifle agricultural innovation. The bill includes protective clauses for resident aliens, allowing them to acquire and hold interests in agricultural land, which introduces a nuanced layer to the discussions regarding who qualifies as a 'prohibited foreign party'.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

HI SB1

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.