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Hawaii · 2025 Regular Session · Bill

SB 242: RELATING TO FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF AGRICULTURAL LAND.

Passed one chamber Official data

  1. Introduced
  2. In committee
  3. Passed one chamber
  4. Passed both chambers
  5. Enacted

Last official action: ·Record last updated:

Plain-language summary

SB 242 is a bill introduced in the Hawaii Senate on January 13, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: RELATING TO FOREIGN OWNERSHIP OF AGRICULTURAL LAND. Primary sponsor: Mike Gabbard (Democratic), Brenton Awa (Republican). It lists 1 additional sponsor. Most recent recorded action (March 6, 2025): Pass First Reading.

Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Prohibits foreign entities from owning, leasing, or holding a controlling interest in more than an unspecified number of acres of agricultural land. Limits the lease term for agricultural land by foreign entities. Requires foreign entities that own or lease interest in agricultural lands to file an annual report with the Department of Agriculture. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2 · Republican 1

NameRolePartyChamberDistrict
Mike GabbardPrimary sponsorDemocraticSenate21
Brenton AwaPrimary sponsorRepublicanSenate23
Sharon MoriwakiCo-sponsorDemocraticSenate12

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

  1. Pass First Reading
  2. Referred to AGR/WAL, JHA, FIN, referral sheet 19
  3. Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) Aquino, Chang, DeCoite, Elefante, Fukunaga, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kim, Moriwaki, Richards, Wakai. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.
  4. Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 113) in amended form (SD 2).
  5. The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) Chang, San Buenaventura ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
  6. The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WAM were as follows: 11 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, Inouye; Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Kanuha, Kim, Wakai, Fevella ; 0 No(es): none; and 2 Excused: Senator(s) Kidani, Lee, C..
  7. Reported from JDC/WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1054) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2).
  8. 48 Hrs. Notice 03-04-25.
  9. Public notice requirement waived pursuant to Senate Rule 21.
  10. The committee(s) on JDC/WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-28-25 10:14AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference.
  11. Reported from AEN/TCA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 527) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to JDC/WAM.
  12. Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to JDC/WAM.

Showing 12 most recent of 21 actions. Full history

Sources

  1. Open States / Plural (data from the official legislature website)
  2. Official legislature source