SB 2161 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RELATING TO LAND USE.

SB 2161 authorizes rodeos and rodeo activities on lands zoned for agricultural use. It specifically defines the term "rodeo and rodeo activities" to clarify what is permitted under this provision. The bill directly affects ranchers, event organizers, and landowners using agricultural-zoned properties for rodeo events. Currently, the bill is under review by the WLA committee, with a public hearing scheduled for February 4, 2026.

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Mar 2026

Senate Passage

Mar 2026

House Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 14, 2026 Last action Mar 12, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SB2161 → SB2161_SD1 · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill was revised to expand its scope beyond just rodeos to include new 'plant and animal sanctuaries' on agricultural land. The amendment adds a requirement for government departments to create rules limiting the scale of rodeos and mandates that such land be restored to its natural state after events. It also updates the effective date to July 1, 2050, and clarifies definitions for both the new sanctuaries and existing rodeo activities.

Scope change

The bill's scope was significantly broadened from authorizing only rodeos to also authorizing plant and animal sanctuaries and related visitor facilities on agricultural land.

SCOPE

Added authorization for 'plant and animal sanctuaries' and their ancillary functions on lands zoned for agricultural use.

REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement for the applicable department to adopt rules restricting the scale of rodeo activities and requiring land restoration to natural conditions after use.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'plant and animal sanctuaries' and expanded the definition of 'rodeo or rodeo activities' to include broader cultural and educational events.

TIMELINE

Changed the effective date of the Act from immediate approval to July 1, 2050.

TECHNICAL

Updated bill metadata, including the sponsor name, bill type, and revision numbers, to reflect the Senate Draft 1 version.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 12, 2026

Committee

Referred to WAL, CAA, JHA, referral sheet 17

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Introduced

Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 185) in amended form (SD 1).

lower

Mar 10, 2026

Upper · Passed

Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.

upper

Mar 6, 2026

Upper · Passed

Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1).

upper

Feb 13, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on WLA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WLA were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Inouye, Lamosao, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Chang.

upper

Feb 2, 2026

Committee

Re-Referred to WLA.

upper

Jan 30, 2026

Upper · Passed

The committee(s) on WLA has scheduled a public hearing on 02-04-26 1:00PM; CR 224 & Videoconference.

upper

Jan 26, 2026

Committee

Referred to WLA, JDC.

upper

Jan 21, 2026

Introduced

Introduced and passed First Reading.

upper

Jan 14, 2026

Introduced

Pending Introduction.

upper

6 primary · 2 co-sponsors