Committee advances SB448 SD1 to authorize ADC purchase of agricultural conservation easement in Central Oahu

The House Committee on Agriculture & Food Systems approved a house draft for SB448 SD1 that clarifies the measure’s title and authorizes the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) to acquire a conservation easement on agricultural lands in Central Oahu.

Testimony from the Hawaii Farmers Union and other agricultural stakeholders emphasized the permanence of farmland loss from development and the value of agricultural conservation easements (PACE) to protect prime farmland. Hunter Hevelin of the Hawaii Farmers Union testified, “Farmland loss is farmland loss forever,” and urged investment in PACE programs.

The committee instructed drafting staff to strengthen the bill’s title and appropriation language by explicitly inserting the phrase “agricultural lands” where referenced, and directed technical, style and clarity edits. The chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments was adopted with recorded ayes from the chair and vice chair; no noes or reservations were recorded. The bill advances as HD1 for further consideration and appropriation review.