HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

17

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

DECLARING THE WISHES OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WITH RESPECT TO THE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF EXISTING AGRICULTURAL LAND RESOURCES AND THEIR COMPONENTS.

 

 

WHEREAS, the Legislature finds that land is the basic resource that supports the production of all agricultural commodities; and

WHEREAS, the supply of lands suitable for the production of agricultural commodities is an irreplaceable resource; and

WHEREAS, the survival of agriculture, however, depends on more than just the availability of land; it depends also on factors that affect the profitability of agriculture, such as commodity prices, the availability of water for irrigation, and the application of production technologies; and

WHEREAS, despite the demise of plantation agriculture on the North Shore of Oahu, the lack of agricultural lands has not been a major impediment to agriculture. Rather, the lack of irrigation systems, the absence of marketing, expensive transportation rates, and costly environmental regulations are greater roadblocks for agricultural development and expansion; and

WHEREAS, land use policies and planning alone will not ensure successful, profitable agriculture. The viability of agriculture will depend on policies and incentives that give landowners and entrepreneurs the flexibility to determine which lands are best to farm and how best to minimize their business risks; and

WHEREAS, article XI, section 3, of the state constitution requires the State to conserve and protect agricultural lands, promote diversified agriculture, increase agricultural self-sufficiency, and assure the availability of agriculturally suitable lands; and

WHEREAS, there has been a dramatic shift in agriculture on the North Shore of Oahu. Former plantation lands, once dedicated to sugarcane and pineapple production, are now producing diversified crops. Niche markets for specialty, high-value agricultural crops are emerging; and

WHEREAS, the conservation of the State's important agricultural land resources is not only critical to the long-term viability of agriculture and state efforts to diversify and expand Hawaii's economic base, but is also vital to the quality of the visitor experience, and the livelihood and well-being of Oahu's North Shore residents. Thus, the Legislature finds that there is a need to fulfill the State's obligation under article XI, section 3, of the state constitution to sustain Hawaii's agricultural capability and diversify the State's economy; and

WHEREAS, valuable and irreplaceable agricultural lands are being lost due to nonagricultural development pressures. In order to ensure the long-term utilization of the State's most viable agricultural lands, it is necessary to adopt and implement an effective master plan and infrastructure for permanent agricultural land preservation on the North Shore of Oahu; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-first Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2002, that this body declares that all agricultural lands and their components are considered an essential industry and important contributor to Hawaii's economy; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is the intent of this body to provide for the creation of permanent agricultural areas to serve the long-term needs of the agricultural community and the citizens of the State; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture, and the Chairperson of the Land Use Commission.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Preservation and Protection of Existing Agricultural Land