Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR126

Introduced
3/16/26  

Caption

Requesting The Agribusiness Development Corporation To Complete The Purchase Of The Fee Simple Interest In The Halaula Agricultural Parcel Identified As Tax Map Key: (3) 5-3-7:15.

Summary

SCR126 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to complete the purchase of the fee simple interest in the Halaula Agricultural Parcel in north Kohala, identified by tax map key (3) 5-3-7:15. The resolution frames the purchase as a way to strengthen agricultural production in a historically underserved region and to help address Hawaii’s broader food security challenges and dependence on imported goods. The measure states that the parcel has strong potential for agricultural development, including sustainable farming, livestock, and agroforestry. It also emphasizes that ADC is the appropriate public entity to oversee acquisition, management, and development of agricultural land for community and economic benefit. As a concurrent resolution, SCR126 expresses the Legislature’s request and policy direction, but it does not itself amend statutes or create binding law.

Impact

SCR126 would not directly change Hawaii statutes or impose a legal mandate; instead, it would formally urge ADC to complete a land purchase for agricultural use. Its practical impact would be to support public acquisition of the Halaula Agricultural Parcel for possible long-term agricultural development, with potential effects on land use, rural economic activity, and food self-sufficiency in north Kohala and statewide.

Sentiment

The bill text reflects strongly supportive sentiment toward agricultural investment, rural revitalization, and food security. No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no evidence of opposition or divided views in the available materials. Overall, the resolution appears to be framed as a positive, community-oriented initiative with broad policy appeal.

Contention

The main policy issue implicit in the resolution is whether ADC should prioritize and complete the land purchase, including the use of public resources for fee simple acquisition. Potential points of contention could include cost, timing, land management strategy, and whether public ownership is the best way to achieve agricultural development in north Kohala. However, no specific objections, amendments, or opposing arguments are included in the available record.

Companion Bills

HI SR118

Same As Requesting The Agribusiness Development Corporation To Complete The Purchase Of The Fee Simple Interest In The Halaula Agricultural Parcel Identified As Tax Map Key: (3) 5-3-7:15.

Previously Filed As

HI SCR166

Requesting The Director Of Finance To Issue General Obligation Bonds For The Purpose Of Financing The Agribusiness Development Corporation's Purchase Of The Fee Simple Interest In The North Kohala Kynnersly East Site Land Parcel For Agricultural Development.

HI SR135

Requesting The Director Of Finance To Issue General Obligation Bonds For The Purpose Of Financing The Agribusiness Development Corporation's Purchase Of The Fee Simple Interest In The North Kohala Kynnersly East Site Land Parcel For Agricultural Development.

HI SB522

Relating To The Halaula Agricultural Parcel.

HI SCR90

Requesting The Agribusiness Development Corporation To Assume Responsibility For The Routine Maintenance And Repair Of The Kohala Ditch.

HI SR73

Requesting The Agribusiness Development Corporation To Assume Responsibility For The Routine Maintenance And Repair Of The Kohala Ditch.

HI SB1325

Relating To The Agribusiness Development Corporation.

HI HB1006

Relating To The Agribusiness Development Corporation.

HI SB1247

Relating To Agricultural Land.

HI HB912

Relating To The Agribusiness Development Corporation.

HI SB1539

Relating To The Agribusiness Development Corporation.

Similar Bills

HI SB2887

Relating To Agriculture.

HI HB2017

Relating To Agriculture.

HI HB966

Relating To Agricultural Tourism.

HI HB966

Relating To Agricultural Tourism.

HI HB498

Relating To Agricultural Crimes.

HI HB498

Relating To Agricultural Crimes.

NJ S1702

Bans foreign ownership of agricultural or horticultural land and agricultural woodlands in State.

NJ A169

Bans foreign ownership of agricultural or horticultural land and agricultural woodlands in State.