Hawaii Senate Bill SB2170

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/26
• Refer: 1/26/26
• Report Pass: 2/11/26
• Refer: 2/11/26

Caption

RELATING TO THE NORTH KOHALA KYNNERSLY EAST SITE LAND PARCEL.

Summary

SB2170 authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds and appropriates the proceeds to the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to purchase the fee simple interest in the North Kohala Kynnersly East Site Land Parcel on Hawaiʻi Island. The bill identifies three tax map keys that make up the parcel and directs ADC to use the funds for agricultural development purposes. The measure is framed as an agricultural and rural development initiative. Its findings emphasize the importance of agriculture to the State’s food security, economic stability, environmental stewardship, and cultural heritage, and specifically cite North Kohala as a region with strong potential for sustainable farming, water conservation, ecosystem restoration, and support for small family farms. The bill also includes a non-lapse provision for the appropriation, with unencumbered funds lapsing on June 30, 2028, and states an effective date of July 1, 2050.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would add a new capital appropriation and authorize state general obligation bond financing for land acquisition by ADC, expanding the corporation’s role in purchasing and managing agricultural land. It would affect state capital improvement and bond-financing law by dedicating public funds to acquire the specified North Kohala parcels for agricultural development, rather than for general state use or private transfer. The bill would also create a time-limited appropriation structure tied to fiscal year 2026-2027 and a lapse date for unencumbered funds.

Sentiment

The available voting history suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill. The Senate Economic Development and Technology Committee passed the measure unanimously, 3-0, with amendments, and the bill later advanced on second reading and was referred to Ways and Means. The bill’s findings and framing indicate strong support for agricultural investment, food security, and rural revitalization, with no recorded opposition in the provided materials.

Contention

The main practical issue appears to be the use of state general obligation bonds and public funds to acquire land for agricultural development, which may raise questions about cost, timing, and the specific public benefit of the purchase. The bill also leaves the bond amount blank in the text provided, suggesting the final funding level was still being determined. No explicit policy objections or opposing arguments are included in the available transcripts or vote record, but the need for amendments and referral to Ways and Means indicates fiscal review remained an important consideration.