[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6697968,"mediaKeyId","2171460-66069e0db17fa7dd25a18677a00762b7","parentId",2171460,"title","Board of Agriculture accepts appraisals, approves conversion and 65-year lease for Freitas Ranch and backs transfer of four DLNR leases","audioSeconds",2028,"startMs",250000,"endMs",2278000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171460-66069e0db17fa7dd25a18677a00762b7&start=250&end=2278","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171460-66069e0db17fa7dd25a18677a00762b7/thumbnail_250000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6697968/Hawaii/Board-of-Agriculture-accepts-appraisals-approves-conversion-and-65-year-lease-for-Freitas-Ranch-and-backs-transfer-of-four-DLNR-leases","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697968-a50dcbb5fc24e1cb5c1025a4bd9c3be0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771043752&Signature=TKmxvk5t~GmFZunWjkk7Bgq2IS8ebKqDULYO8kCXOzw4zz1Ivq6hwEftOgksWNDc55wGrHqIE2EWSYsRRf~M6XejYylWjDnZAx1xCdFdewtSg8rUX-CVbNL7U7zFy-kTXGiFpH7o9-C3Fz0f6idB82kaqmS0hi9VTdpljx9JO5N09IgxLz4hYeNbA9VZ0CX5FMjwKhYcNdTfJri57iFuVmDi4ujAcjqXoictHCjV-EURzb0bo-QoLPOX8WPxYqW5m-nTgChumQzUo6ZXKrhtZAr6ozhLDxkJEno1Rkzq50Eef7ZsjJNIYQ~CxR2NySUm5AMsygsxfsdH1WeEzRZOjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hawaii - Agriculture","date","2025-01-29T05:04:42.627Z","article","The State of Hawaii Board of Agriculture on a unanimous voice vote accepted independent appraisals that set new annual lease rents for a number of AgPark and non‑AgPark parcels and approved two separate land actions affecting working farms and ranches.

Board staff presented appraisal reports prepared by ACM Consultants recommending fair‑market annual rentals for several Agricultural Park and non‑AgPark leases. Staff recommended the board “accept the fair market rentals” as listed in the submittal. The board approved the recommendation with no objections.

The board then took up a request from GNC Freitas Ranch, Inc., to convert revocable permit S‑7732 (pasture use) into a new long‑term non‑AgPark lease. Staff told the board an appraisal set the initial annual base rent at $1,240 and that, consistent with administrative rules, the lessee would pay a premium equal to 25% of the annual base rent for each year of prior occupancy not to exceed seven years. The department recommended approval of conversion and mutual cancellation of the existing revocable permit upon execution of the new lease.

During board discussion the permittee, Georgette Freitas of GNC Freitas Ranch, said the family would “appreciate” a 65‑year lease and described multigenerational occupation and planned improvements including cross‑fencing, clearing invasive trees and possible irrigation. Board members debated whether to approve a 35‑year or 65‑year term at the meeting. After discussion the board withdrew the earlier motion and approved a new motion on the floor to grant a 65‑year lease term; the chair announced the motion carried with no objections.

Separately, the board approved the department’s request to accept four encumbrances for transfer from DLNR to the Department of Agriculture under Act 90 (SLH 2003), which creates a Non‑AgPark Lands Program and allows the transfer of some DLNR agricultural lands to HDOA for leasing and management. Public testimony included ranchers and industry representatives urging approval so the lands remain in agricultural production. The board voted to approve the transfers unanimously; staff said they would notify DLNR of the board’s action.

Why this matters: The actions finalize appraisal‑based rents and convert short‑term permits to long‑term leases intended to provide stability for agricultural producers. The Act 90 transfers move selected DLNR agricultural parcels to HDOA management, which supporters said will better preserve agricultural use and stewardship.

Board direction and follow up: Staff agreed to provide lease start/term dates and appraisal breakdowns to board members on request and to notify DLNR of the approved transfers. The Freitas lessee said she and family members would provide further detail on planned improvements if the board asked.

Speakers at the meeting included Board Chair Sharon Hurd; HDOA staff Brandy (property manager, Agricultural Resource Management Division); Georgette Freitas (GNC Freitas Ranch, permittee); and board members James “Jimmy” Gomes, Diane Lee, Randy Cabral and others. Public commenters in favor of transfers included Nicole Galassi of the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council and rancher Steven David Luz.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture Meeting - January 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The State of Hawaii Board of Agriculture on a unanimous vote accepted independent appraisals setting new annual rents for several agricultural leases, approved converting a month‑to‑month revocable permit for GNC Freitas Ranch into a long‑term lease amended at the meeting to a 65‑year term, and approved the transfer of four DLNR encumbrances to the Department of Agriculture under Act 90.","taxTitle","Agriculture, Executive , Hawaii","taxId",26064,"location","Hawaii","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6697958,"Board grants Hyatt Maui permit to import four African black‑footed penguins with conditions; some members express reservations",1916,3445000,5361000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171460-66069e0db17fa7dd25a18677a00762b7&start=3445&end=5361","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171460-66069e0db17fa7dd25a18677a00762b7/thumbnail_3445000.jpg","/articles/6697958/Hawaii/Board-grants-Hyatt-Maui-permit-to-import-four-African-blackfooted-penguins-with-conditions-some-members-express-reservations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697958-d76cc35e6ea2fceb9dec7e5216897b86/orig.mp4?Expires=1771043752&Signature=Byxaen0qvz1v8RF2y4pvRHjCnamHgakajCjiAkQsfFBKGFGLMyBo0nHUbIfVnlOz5RA0K-p0yCU5fK2HEPyXV~rcpB1Vc6MBhPow9VzKehTiowvhENBjXbG3vo8jA1SPJfppzDf5bSu1Xrdva59We0LPCfiZdpD0H-2CzqvsrSv2fduZ4~2N5mj4cTEpcoXl9irrIrmMXRvC0yYsOAQfJAK0j6ezlAU-7u2-jKBzmgzE8tXH8D5lwOetVxIJqwevnuHrfwqfCNCRubh1mQoJ7dD6pX4T0AWWUksPV6rxSnuMY-F1PSzVZUMdm7n2hTXmijtZCE8igg2b1~DUJbEv4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hawaii Board of Agriculture approved a permit allowing the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa to import four African black‑footed penguins (Spheniscus demersus) from Metro Richmond Zoo for exhibition and to increase genetic vitality of the Hyatt’s penguin colony. The board’s action included establishing permit conditions and health screening requirements; the vote carried with members recording reservations.

Jessica Anmira, acting land vertebrate specialist for the Plant Quarantine Branch, explained the Hyatt’s application: the hotel seeks four penguins to expand a geographically isolated colony, improve genetic diversity and meet the AZA’s recommended minimum population for an enclosure of its size. Staff noted the Hyatt has an updated USDA exhibitor license, was accepted into a relevant AZA management program, and provided a biosecurity manual and an avian disease outbreak plan. The subcommittee on land vertebrates recommended approval after a 4‑to‑2 call in the advisory review.

Public commenters included Povey Carissa Abney, the Hyatt’s wildlife supervisor, who argued the institution has completed two years of certification work and education programs and said the import would support breeding and broader conservation and education goals. Penguins International and local educators described community education and fundraising benefits. An animal rights organization speaker opposed exhibiting endangered animals in a hotel setting rather than a zoo.

Permit conditions discussed by staff include mandatory pathogen testing: a declaration that the animals test negative for Newcastle disease and avian influenza within 14 days before importation, enhanced biosecurity protocols and alignment with federal and AZA standards. Staff said Metro Richmond Zoo is a long‑standing, accredited program and that the Hyatt’s proposed husbandry and security measures (including enclosure controls and staff oversight) were reviewed.

Board members expressed mixed views. Some members praised the Hyatt’s conservation partnerships and educational outreach; others said they preferred exhibitions of native Hawaiian species or questioned long‑term viability given threats to African penguin prey and climate impacts. During a roll‑call, several members said they voted “aye with reservations.” The chair announced the motion carried with reservations.

Why this matters: The permit affects the management and welfare of a critically endangered species in Hawai‘i care and raises questions about the roles of hotel exhibitor programs in conservation and local education. Conditions and testing requirements aim to reduce risk to Hawaii’s avian health.

Follow up: The Plant Quarantine Branch will issue permit conditions consistent with the board’s action, including required disease testing and USDA/AZA compliance documentation. Staff said they will monitor compliance with permit conditions and disease screening protocols.","The Board of Agriculture approved a permit allowing Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa to import four African black‑footed penguins for exhibition and breeding, subject to testing and permit conditions. The decision drew both support from conservation groups and opposition from animal rights advocates; several board members recorded reservations.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6697963,"Board preliminarily approves pesticide rule changes to match EPA plan, authorizes public hearings",1207,2237000,3444000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171460-66069e0db17fa7dd25a18677a00762b7&start=2237&end=3444","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171460-66069e0db17fa7dd25a18677a00762b7/thumbnail_2237000.jpg","/articles/6697963/Hawaii/Board-preliminarily-approves-pesticide-rule-changes-to-match-EPA-plan-authorizes-public-hearings","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697963-95f377e021f073ee37f8a12cf2d05047/orig.mp4?Expires=1771043752&Signature=N7uaQyD1rmqkURuab9k3ef3e6utAaPmZ~HKiW2PtI1hJ2KkgWMjb3Lirk7DjjCo-R6NVDFEd4TG2iC~BS91O52QBWFPKXCQIRQ0pNKsWuDi~9Hnh3ISsBt3zqeGViRYyJXqaRrPArnExfBkZFRXyCWjXToqdmbSzqbI8BcHwwZQdVBodKrwrX50kbsEsXLhfkGu8kgx-ENJgNgyEtaKmgl21vkcu0AOuN7Y1hVqn3a0uiGJ9ACCdbnKkVn4KXjMpPAGAMCacsF~gfQ27Ab9HQXN0~etrJ0WjEKqKkHb535-cg1jd-AEpfrNUp2MnTFFSWOBz1i5zjhFMsG6veX9CXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hawaii Board of Agriculture voted unanimously to preliminarily approve proposed amendments to Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) chapter 4‑66 that update state pesticide certification rules to conform with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency‑approved state plan and with changes enacted by the Legislature (Act 220 of 2023).

Greg Takashima, pesticides program manager, told the board the primary edits replace instances of “shall” with “must” to clarify mandatory requirements and align state language with the federal Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The amendments also update maximum civil and criminal penalties under Hawaii Revised Statutes chapter 149A for commercial and private pesticide applicator violations. Takashima said the amendments were discussed with the Governor's Advisory Committee on Pesticides and that the branch had attached the advisory committee minutes to the submittal.

Speakers from the public included Clayton Kubo of Waimea, Kauai, who urged enforcement against repeat offenders and described family health impacts from pesticide drift. Board members asked about enforcement capacity and timing. Staff said the branch currently has one case‑prep staffer and is recruiting a second position and confirmed the branch will schedule hearings at times intended to encourage public participation (including afternoons and evenings). Staff estimated the full rulemaking process, including hearings, small business review and governor’s approval, could conclude in the fourth quarter of the year.

Board members stressed that the proposed penalty amounts are maximums and that the department retains discretion to set initial settlement amounts lower for first offenses; staff said initial notices are typically warnings and penalties are applied for repeat violations. The board authorized the chairperson to schedule public hearings and appoint hearing officers to begin the formal rulemaking process.

Why this matters: The updates reflect federal requirements and raise maximum penalties intended to increase deterrence against repeat pesticide violations. The public hearing process will allow stakeholders to submit comments before the rules are finalized.","The Board of Agriculture voted to preliminarily approve amendments to HAR chapter 4‑66 to align state pesticide certification rules with the U.S. EPA‑approved state plan and recent state law changes, and authorized scheduling public hearings and appointing hearing officers.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6697950,"HDOA gives Act 231 biosecurity update: contracts, RFPs and proposed bills to expand biosecurity authority",231,7153000,7384000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171460-66069e0db17fa7dd25a18677a00762b7&start=7153&end=7384","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171460-66069e0db17fa7dd25a18677a00762b7/thumbnail_7153000.jpg","/articles/6697950/Hawaii/HDOA-gives-Act-231-biosecurity-update-contracts-RFPs-and-proposed-bills-to-expand-biosecurity-authority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697950-44721c70a009fbe3a9264ee291d674f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771043752&Signature=Gd5KEmk-acqGwOceWSeKHmQpIH3JPbHDhLrJ3lsF4CZWWba5xZ2gs-iYlrVEANqV5VUfPDXNdR3u8rIC--2k3~wuL9wi9ts7cYtBys0eIX2kiXK0Y1~uVE7Se2GeoTZhzj65wZsXv4RKkC~2VWrGYK1xseLOcE898QWlDvijZ3DtAhHgoQSdzYQd15r2KYsVFDfzsBCuGwoDviTn3eKuQz94A6l7I5K300QKM~7H1mj6nKq1GyJjP6s57jnWPnDX9-tdtiJbm-Q~s0qD41SJpXEXyrV76~9erL71e9lRcyg9mnlDKoX4Zg9I03mzG4v8OJd4DdOIdDAndWmUaP76HQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hawaii Department of Agriculture staff provided a progress report on implementation actions funded under Act 231 and related biosecurity efforts, reporting multiple requests for proposals (RFPs), contracts and program rollouts across islands.

Plant Quarantine Branch Manager Jonathan Hall and other staff summarized the department’s workstreams: contract procurement and planning for brawn tree snake traps and two‑line spittlebug management; a pest diagnostics RFP closing at month‑end; a compost reimbursement program open through May 2025; a contract for removal of dead coconut trees on public lands; and purchase plans for citric acid and other treatment materials. The department said 31 of 42 new position descriptions have progressed and are pending human resources actions to enable recruitment.

Hall also listed proposed or pending legislation that would affect biosecurity functions: HB 427 (rename Department of Agriculture to include Biosecurity and create a deputy for biosecurity and related authorities); SB 252 (administrative inspection/search authority and civil penalties to support inspections); SB 251 (a placarding program similar to DOH signage, with county fallback if the department does not implement); and SB 562 (a nursery registry for sale regulation). Staff said some contracts are finalizing and others were being reissued after procurement issues.

Board members asked about continuity for two‑line spittlebug funding and program timelines; staff said the governor’s budget includes recurring funds in support of ongoing spittlebug work and that program design and RFP work were ongoing. Staff also noted coordination with county partners and that some county offers were declined and being reallocated where appropriate.

Why this matters: The update details near‑term spending and implementation steps for biosecurity threats statewide. The proposed bills would significantly expand administrative authority for inspections, emergency declarations and regulatory programs affecting agriculture and nursery sectors.

Next steps: Staff will continue procurement, finalize contracts and proceed with recruitments; board members requested continued monthly updates.","Hawaii Department of Agriculture staff updated the board on implementation of Act 231 biosecurity funding and related activities, including contracts and RFPs for pest management, compost programs, traps and diagnostic services, and several pending bills that would expand biosecurity authority and create new programs.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6697953,"Board denies petition to start rulemaking on CBB designation; directs expedited quarantine‑expansion process for Kauai, Molokai and Lanai",1557,5360000,6917000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171460-66069e0db17fa7dd25a18677a00762b7&start=5360&end=6917","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171460-66069e0db17fa7dd25a18677a00762b7/thumbnail_5360000.jpg","/articles/6697953/Hawaii/Board-denies-petition-to-start-rulemaking-on-CBB-designation-directs-expedited-quarantineexpansion-process-for-Kauai-Molokai-and-Lanai","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6697953-41dffc2c8c65a376d793c186f42a48c0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771043752&Signature=Lc~-cRO838KEBPvqdzgEdvIpX-wh-RgWIRU9Gukep512frcPdOASX3etwiJl-yvGaBPznZc-b2RpJnaguwk~u~ZXKIQNSeGpcRAC2gWtbhwMvPUWirLGh29rAxRuHoHoA-m7IzQupmPcMBVmK-UMq4fACBJa2TevWxdj3jYes9-z6vR1vf-7idQYj41E~dbYm2hKV1SDB5UxFpduWyTe-Ut1hwvblnlISbQV9TvENE4277GtAi9Ms0K3uFM5xZhvCdQcmdVshYsATEc9hwB57yUV9cVrBGMAelhBe4bopdfbkAHKiNgr7zozlwyg61Lzx~of86qGkFPPso7BSFoSkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Agriculture voted to deny a petition from the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) that sought initiation of formal rulemaking to designate Kauai, Molokai and Lanai as infested with coffee berry borer (CBB). Rather than start the longer rulemaking process (which can take approximately a year), the board directed HDOA’s Plant Quarantine Branch to work with the petitioner and industry partners to pursue an administrative quarantine‑expansion process under the relevant HAR sections to designate those islands as infested more rapidly.

Plant Quarantine Branch manager Jonathan Hall explained the procedural distinction: initiating formal rulemaking to amend HAR is a longer process that requires advisory committee review, public hearings and administrative steps. The branch said it did not dispute the presence of CBB on the islands but cited required procedural consultation under the HAR for designation actions. Hall said an administrative quarantine‑expansion/area‑designation process (under the quarantine/designation provisions) would be quicker — on the order of weeks to a few months depending on consultations — and would allow inter‑island movement of coffee plant materials consistent with an “infested” designation.

Petitioner Andrea Kawabata (CTAHR) told the board she had worked with industry growers and that growers on Kauai, Molokai and Lanai were not opposed to adding their islands to the infested list; she said the change would allow movement of leaf‑rust resistant planting materials and other propagated coffee material without a one‑year quarantine. Public comment included Branson Bridal of Kauai Coffee Company, who described severe CBB impacts at scale on Kauai and urged inclusion of Kauai, Molokai and Lanai.

The board’s action denies the petition to initiate rulemaking as submitted and directs the branch to complete the administrative quarantine‑expansion/area‑designation process and return to the board with results. Staff will conduct the stakeholder consultations required by the HAR prior to bringing a formal designation back to the board.

Why this matters: Coffee producers said the change will speed distribution of resistant planting materials across islands and reduce a one‑year holding requirement that currently limits inter‑island movement of certain coffee materials. The procedural route chosen by the board is intended to balance regulatory requirements with the industry's need for faster access to planting stock and mitigation resources.","The Board of Agriculture denied a petition from CTAHR to initiate formal rulemaking to designate Kauai, Molokai and Lanai as coffee berry borer (CBB) infested, and instead directed the Plant Quarantine Branch to pursue an expedited administrative quarantine‑expansion under HAR to accomplish a designation more quickly.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board of Agriculture accepts appraisals, approves conversion and 65-year lease for Freitas Ranch and backs transfer of four DLNR leases

Board grants Hyatt Maui permit to import four African black‑footed penguins with conditions; some members express reservations

Board preliminarily approves pesticide rule changes to match EPA plan, authorizes public hearings

HDOA gives Act 231 biosecurity update: contracts, RFPs and proposed bills to expand biosecurity authority

Board denies petition to start rulemaking on CBB designation; directs expedited quarantine‑expansion process for Kauai, Molokai and Lanai