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SB2170
THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
2170
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to the north kohala kynnersly east site land parcel
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION 1.
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The
legislature finds that a robust agricultural sector is integral to the State's
long-term economic stability, food security, and environmental stability.
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A strong agricultural sector is essential for
reducing the State's reliance on imported goods, preserving its cultural
heritage, and providing local employment opportunities.
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The north Kohala district of Hawaii island,
with its unique climate, fertile soils, and abundant natural resources presents
an invaluable opportunity for strategic investment in the State's agricultural
sector.
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While the agricultural legacy of
north Kohala continues to thrive with a greater emphasis on sustainable farming
practices, important parcels of land for agricultural production and processing
in the region have remained defunct for extended periods as the agricultural
sector has contracted due to shifts in markets and key funding mechanisms.
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The legislature further finds that farmers
local to the region and agricultural organizations are committed to preserving
north Kohala's unique heritage, while embracing innovative practices to ensure
the long-term viability of farming in the area.
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Efforts to improve water conservation, restore native ecosystems, and
protect the region's agricultural land are central to the community's ongoing
resilience.
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Investment in this region
can enhance the State's agricultural production capacity; support small, family-run
and -owned farms; and contribute to the revitalization of a rural and
historically underserved area.
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Investment in agricultural land in north Kohala offers significant
potential for the development of sustainable agricultural practices, creation
of job opportunities, and increased food self-sufficiency.
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Such investments in this region, and regions
that are similar in composition and rural location, align with the State's
broader goals of promoting environmental stewardship and ensuring the long-term
viability of its agricultural sector.
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The legislature also finds that the agribusiness
development corporation is uniquely positioned to oversee the purchase,
management, and responsible development of agricultural lands in this
region.
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The agribusiness development
corporation's expertise will ensure that these strategic investments are
maximized for the benefit of the State's agricultural sector and rural
communities, and will foster resilience and sustainability for generations to
come.
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Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to
authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds to the agribusiness development
corporation to complete the purchase of the fee simple interest in the north
Kohala Kynnersly east site land parcel which comprises the following tax map
keys: (3) 5-3-4:19, (3) 5-4-11:18, and (3) 5-4-11:48.
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SECTION 2.
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The director of finance is authorized to issue general obligation bonds
in the sum of $2,600,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary and the same
sum or so much thereof as may be necessary is appropriated for fiscal year
2026-2027 for the purpose of financing the purchase of parcels of land for
agricultural development identified as the following tax map keys: (3)
5-3-4:19, (3) 5-4-11:18, and (3) 5-4-11:48.
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SECTION 3.
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The sum appropriated in section 2 of this Act shall be expended by the agribusiness
development corporation for the purposes of this Act.
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SECTION 4.
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The appropriation made for the capital improvement project authorized by
this Act shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal biennium for which the
appropriation is made; provided that all moneys from the appropriation
unencumbered as of June 30, 2028, shall lapse as of that date.
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SECTION 5.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
ADC;
North Kohala; GO Bonds; Agriculture; Agricultural Development; Appropriation
Description:
Authorizes
the issuance of general obligation bonds for the Agribusiness Development
Corporation to purchase the North Kohala Kynnersly East Site Land Parcel for
agricultural development.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.