SB242

Hawaii SB242 restricts foreign ownership of agricultural land and mandates transparency for foreign-owned lands.

Hawaii SB242 aims to preserve agricultural land for local farmers by limiting foreign ownership and establishing transparency requirements. The bill defines "foreign entity" and "agricultural land" and restricts foreign entities from owning, leasing, or holding a controlling interest in more than a specified number of acres of agricultural land. Exceptions include inheritance, non-agricultural use, short-term leases, and pre-existing ownership. Foreign entities must file annual reports detailing land ownership and use, and the Department of Agriculture will maintain a public registry.