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Committee advances bill expanding Agribusiness Development Corporation powers amid opposition from OHA and environmental groups
Summary
The House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee moved SB2169 (SD1 HD1) forward after testimony from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and Earthjustice differed sharply: OHA endorsed exemptions for public‑trust lands, while Earthjustice urged deferral citing ADC’s past land and water mismanagement and opposition to eminent‑domain-like powers.
Chair David Tarnas opened the hearing on Senate Bill 2169, SD1, HD1, relating to the Agribusiness Development Corporation and moved the measure forward for decision-making.
An Office of Hawaiian Affairs representative told the committee OHA supports measures that strengthen agricultural productivity and local food security but emphasized a core duty to protect the public‑trust land corpus. OHA urged preserving an exemption for public‑trust lands as defined in HRS 171‑2 from any…
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