Hawaii SB2153: Relating to Agriculture.

What the bill says

A bill for an act relating to agriculture.

From the enrolled text:

A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE. SECTION 1. The legislature finds that in the State, land is a precious and limited resource, and zoning laws often distinguish between land used for agricultural purposes and other uses, such as residential or commercial development. The lack of a uniform standard for what constitutes a bona fide farmer can lead to discrepancies in the way agricultural zoning is applied. Landholders who are not truly engaged in farming may take advantage of agricultural zoning designations, potentially reducing available agricultural land and undermining the State's efforts to preserve land for commercial agricultural activities. This creates conflicts with the preservation and allocation of agricultural resources, which should be reserved for farmers who are engaged in genuine farming activities. The legislature acknowledges that some of the persistent difficulties in Hawaii agriculture have been reconciling the diversity of agricultural practices with the need for a uniform, enforceable standard that prevents abuse of agricultural tax 2026-2381 SB2153 GDI SMA-2.docx Page 2 S.B. NO. s" C.D. classifications and land entitlements, incorporating the breadth and scope of agricultural activity in the State and providing comprehensive language that successfully incorporates county level zoning and property tax ordinances regarding land and water usage. The purpose of this Act is to require the department of agriculture and biosecurity to convene a bona …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Tim Richards (D, SD-004) · primary sponsor
• Michelle Kidani (D, 18)
• Angus McKelvey (D, 6)
• Carol Fukunaga (D, 11)
• Troy Hashimoto (D, 5)
• Sharon Moriwaki (D, 12)
• Joy San Buenaventura (D, 2)
• Glenn Wakai (D, 15)

Latest actions

1. June 26, 2026: Act 167, on 06/26/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1269).
2. June 26, 2026: Act 167, 06/26/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1269).
3. May 8, 2026: Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888).
4. May 7, 2026: Enrolled to Governor.
5. May 6, 2026: Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0).
6. May 5, 2026: Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 814).
7. May 1, 2026: Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) Fukunaga).
8. May 1, 2026: Deferred one day 05-06-26.
9. April 29, 2026: Forty-eight (48) hours notice Friday, 05-01-26.
10. April 29, 2026: Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 32-26) as amended in (CD 1).

Votes

• Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0) (May 6, 2026): 51 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1) (May 1, 2026): 24 yea, 0 nay, passed
• none. (April 28, 2026): 4 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Conference Committee Vote (April 28, 2026): 3 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1) (April 9, 2026): 50 yea, 0 nay, passed
• FIN: recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED (April 7, 2026): 15 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB2153?

SB2153 is a bill in the Hawaii Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to Agriculture.

What does SB2153 do?

In its own words: A bill for an act relating to agriculture.

What is the status of SB2153?

Signed into law as of June 26, 2026. Latest action: Act 167, on 06/26/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1269). (June 26, 2026).

Who sponsored SB2153?

Tim Richards (D, SD-004), with 7 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB2153?

On the Hawaii Legislature website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2153&year=2026