Committee backs bill allowing rodeos on agricultural and pastoral lands

The House Committee on Culture and the Arts voted to pass HB 1703 HD1, a bill that authorizes rodeos and rodeo activities on lands zoned for agricultural or pastoral uses, adopting technical clarifications the committee added to the measure.

Wendy Gady, executive director of the Agribusiness Development Corporation, told committee members rodeos are cultural and social events that expose young people to agriculture-related careers and provide economic benefits to local businesses. "Rodeos are...a huge injection to the community," Gady said, describing how attendees patronize local stores and vendors.

Chuck Capela of the Ironworkers Stabilization Fund said the measure could create construction-related jobs if venues expand or are built and described rodeos as a pathway to mentorship and career opportunities for youth.

The chair said the committee would adopt an HD1 that adds technical amendments for clarity and consistency. With no further questions from members, the vice chair announced the recommendation to pass with amendments and the recommendation was adopted on the record.

Written testimony from the Hawaii Food Policy group and other organizations was noted in the hearing record. The committee's action advances HB 1703 with the listed technical clarifications.