Department of Agriculture - Other Initiatives

HB1008, SB826: RELATING TO LAND USE
Restricts the subdivision or issuance of a permit to construct a home on agriculturally designated land without proof of a detailed plan to actually farm the land, sometimes referred to as “fake farms.”

HB1009, SB827: RELATING TO PUBLIC LANDS WHICH ARE IMPORTANT AGRICULTURAL LANDS
Authorizes the State to identify and set aside potential important agricultural lands from existing public lands.  Allows farmers who use this public agricultural land to be eligible for the same tax incentives as those farming privately owned important agricultural land.

HB1010, SB828: RELATING TO AGRICULTURE
Adds an additional seat for a kupuna homestead farmer on the current six
member Moloka`i Irrigation System Water Users Advisory Board.

HB1011, SB829: RELATING TO HAWAI`I PUBLIC PROCUREMENT CODE
Provides a 15 percent price preference for locally grown fruits, vegetables, poultry, eggs, and meat that are purchased by public organizations such as schools, prisons, and hospitals.