SCR 73 Hawaii Senate · 2026 Regular Session

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.

This Senate Concurrent Resolution asks the Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Board of Land and Natural Resources to exempt agricultural enterprises that practice diversified farming on former sugarcane lands within the Conservation District from needing permits or sight plan approvals. The bill targets farmers and ranchers who want to use these specific lands for growing multiple types of crops, which currently faces a lengthy permitting process that can take up to 180 days. By removing the permit requirement for these specific agricultural activities, the resolution aims to reduce administrative delays and encourage the reuse of former plantation lands. The request is directed at state agencies to implement this exemption, though it does not change existing laws or create new regulations.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 16, 2026 Last action Mar 19, 2026