HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2674
TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2016
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to agricultural theft.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that agricultural theft and agricultural vandalism are a constant worry for farmers and ranchers. Given the broad acreage that many farming operations encompass, it is often difficult for farmers to police their entire operations at all times.  Furthermore, vigilance at night after work hours may be challenging because not all farmers and ranchers are able to live on or near the fields where they work. All of these factors make agricultural operations easy prey for theft or vandalism.

     The legislature also finds that the county of Hawaii is known as the breadbasket of the State.  However, agricultural theft and agricultural vandalism have been a constant threat for farmers and ranchers on the island, increasing the cost of production and making it more difficult for farming operations to be successful.

     The purpose of this Act is to establish a two-year agricultural theft pilot project to focus on investigating and prosecuting agricultural theft and agricultural vandalism in the county of Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of agriculture shall:

     (1)  Establish a two-year agricultural theft pilot project to focus on investigating and prosecuting agricultural theft and agricultural vandalism;

     (2)  Partner with the county of Hawaii to hire an investigative officer within the prosecuting attorney's office; and

     (3)  No later than January 1, 2018, assess the implementation of the pilot project including the pilot project's effectiveness for:

          (A)  Identifying the number of convictions for agricultural theft and agricultural vandalism;

          (B)  Identifying best practices for prosecuting perpetrators of agricultural theft and agricultural vandalism;

          (C)  Identifying areas where agricultural theft and agricultural vandalism are most prevalent;

          (D)  Identifying best practices for preventing agricultural theft and agricultural vandalism; and

          (E)  Making recommendations for a statewide program to address agricultural theft and agricultural vandalism.

     (b)  Based on the department of agriculture's assessment of the agricultural theft pilot project, the department shall determine whether to continue, expand, or end the pilot project.

     (c)  The department of agriculture shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than December 31, 2017.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $70,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 to the department of agriculture for the purposes of establishing and implementing a two-year agricultural theft pilot project.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.
     SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2016.

 

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

 

 

Report Title:

Agricultural Theft Pilot Project; Appropriation

 

Description:

Establishes a two-year Agricultural Theft Pilot Project in the Department of Agriculture to focus on investigating and prosecuting agricultural theft and agricultural vandalism in the county of Hawaii.  Appropriates funds to the Department of Agriculture.

 

 

 

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