Hawaii Senate Bill SR133

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25
• Report Pass: 3/31/25
• Passed: 4/1/25

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Agriculture To Adopt Rules Authorizing Rodeos On Lands Zoned For Agricultural Use.

Summary

Senate Resolution 133 requests that the Hawaii Department of Agriculture adopt rules allowing rodeos on land zoned for agricultural use. The resolution is framed as a recognition of Hawaii’s ranching history and paniolo culture, recounting the introduction of cattle to the islands, the development of Hawaiian cowboy traditions, and the historical success of Hawaiian riders in rodeo competition. It does not itself change the law directly; instead, it urges the department to create regulatory authority that would make rodeos permissible on agricultural lands. The measure is primarily symbolic and directive in nature. If the Department of Agriculture follows the request, the practical effect would be to open the door for rodeo events on agricultural-zoned property under rules adopted by the department. That could affect ranchers, event organizers, landowners, and agricultural land users by clarifying whether and how rodeos may be held on such lands. The resolution references the Board of Agriculture and asks that a certified copy be transmitted to its chairperson, indicating the intended audience for the policy request. The general sentiment reflected in the resolution and the available vote history is supportive. The bill’s findings present rodeos as consistent with Hawaii’s heritage and as a way to honor paniolo traditions, suggesting a positive cultural and historical rationale. In committee, the Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee passed the measure with amendments by a 5-0 vote, indicating broad agreement among members who considered it. There is little evidence of overt opposition in the available materials, but the main policy question is whether rodeos should be treated as an appropriate use of agricultural land and what rules should govern them. Potential concerns could include land-use compatibility, animal welfare, public safety, and whether agricultural zoning should accommodate entertainment events. The resolution itself does not resolve those issues; it leaves them to the Department of Agriculture’s rulemaking process.

Impact

SR133 would not directly amend Hawaii statutes, but it would influence administrative rulemaking by requesting the Department of Agriculture to adopt rules authorizing rodeos on agricultural-zoned land. The practical impact would be on land-use regulation, potentially expanding permissible activities on agricultural property and affecting ranchers, rodeo organizers, landowners, and local communities subject to agricultural zoning rules.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment appears favorable and celebratory. The resolution is grounded in a strong cultural narrative about Hawaii’s ranching history and paniolo heritage, and the committee vote was unanimous in favor with amendments. That suggests the measure was viewed positively as a heritage-affirming policy request rather than a controversial statutory change.

Contention

The main point of contention is not expressed directly in the available discussion, but it would likely center on whether rodeos are an appropriate use of agricultural land and what regulatory safeguards should apply. Possible concerns include compatibility with agricultural zoning, impacts on land use and neighboring properties, and animal welfare or safety issues. No specific opposition is recorded in the provided vote history, and the committee action indicates broad support.