Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR73

Introduced
3/16/26  

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources And Board Of Land And Natural Resources To Exempt Any Agricultural Enterprise Practicing Diversified Agriculture On Former Sugarcane Lands Within The Conservation District From Any Requirement For A Permit Or Sight Plan Approval Granted By The Department.

Impact

The impact of this resolution, if enacted, would effectively streamline the regulatory burden currently faced by farmers and ranchers who wish to engage in diversified agriculture on conservation lands. By exempting such agricultural activities from permits, the resolution aims to expedite the reuse of former plantation lands, which could lead to increased food production, enhanced ecological recovery, and improved resilience to wildfires. This aligns with Hawaii's broader goals of sustainability and self-sufficiency in food production.

Summary

SCR73 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution proposed in the Thirty-third Legislature of Hawaii in 2026. It requests that the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Board of Land and Natural Resources exempt agricultural enterprises practicing diversified agriculture on former sugarcane lands within the state conservation district from obtaining permits or site plan approval. The goal is to promote the redevelopment of these lands for agricultural purposes, thereby supporting the state's food system resilience and reducing the reliance on imported foods.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SCR73 could be the implications of relaxing permit requirements within conservation districts. While proponents argue that such measures will stimulate local agriculture and promote food security, there may be concerns from environmentalists and conservationists about the potential risks to ecological integrity and land conservation. The balance between agricultural development and environmental protections will be an essential consideration in the discussions surrounding this resolution.

Companion Bills

HI SR67

Same As Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources And Board Of Land And Natural Resources To Exempt Any Agricultural Enterprise Practicing Diversified Agriculture On Former Sugarcane Lands Within The Conservation District From Any Requirement For A Permit Or Sight Plan Approval Granted By The Department.

Previously Filed As

HI SR118

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Transfer Active Agricultural Land Leases Under The Jurisdiction Of The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To The Department Of Agriculture To Support Agriculture In The State.

HI SB1017

Relating To The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI SCR165

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Adopt Rules Lifting The Moratorium On Fishing In The Lapakahi Marine Life Conservation District.

HI HB1316

Relating To The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI SB839

Relating To The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI SB19

Relating To The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI HB86

Relating To The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI SB1084

Relating To The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI HB913

Relating To The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

HI SB756

Relating To The Department Of Land And Natural Resources.

Similar Bills

HI HB2425

Relating To Agriculture.

HI SB2747

Relating To Agriculture.

HI SR67

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources And Board Of Land And Natural Resources To Exempt Any Agricultural Enterprise Practicing Diversified Agriculture On Former Sugarcane Lands Within The Conservation District From Any Requirement For A Permit Or Sight Plan Approval Granted By The Department.

HI SB739

Relating To Land Exchange.

HI SB2170

Relating To The North Kohala Kynnersly East Site Land Parcel.

HI SB2153

Relating To Agriculture.

HI HB1006

Relating To The Agribusiness Development Corporation.

HI HB1006

Relating To The Agribusiness Development Corporation.