Hawaiʻi’s food producers are confronting a troubling surge in agricultural crime, with theft and vandalism costs rising significantly amid reduced investments in security measures. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these crimes cost producers nearly $3.3 million in 2024—a marked increase of about $150,000 over the past four years. This alarming trend has prompted agricultural leaders to call for more robust security efforts and legislative action.
The heightened concern about agricultural crime was underscored by the tragic murder of Leeward Oʻahu rancher Cranston “Duke” Pia, who was shot while confronting trespassing hunters. His death sparked public outrage and intensified discussions regarding the often-overlooked threats facing farmers and ranchers, many of whom face theft, vandalism, and violence in their daily operations. This outcry ultimately led to legislative initiatives aimed at combating such crimes.
The USDA report, released at the end of the 2025 legislative session, provides a comprehensive overview of agricultural crime in the state. However, it also reveals a troubling trend: investment in security measures declined by 15% from 2019 to 2024, dropping from $11.2 million to $9.5 million. This reduction in security spending has left many producers vulnerable, leading to fears among agricultural leaders that the data reported may not reflect the full extent of the problem.
Sharon Hurd, the state agriculture director, and Senator Tim Richards, a Big Island rancher and livestock veterinarian, both indicated that the reported numbers are likely underrepresented. Richards remarked that many in the agricultural sector have lost faith in the reporting process, believing it yields little to no results. He estimated that actual losses due to crime could be about 30% higher than reported, highlighting the need for better data to accurately assess the situation.
Despite the discrepancies in reporting, the data released indicates that theft was most prevalent in Hawaiʻi County, where producers lost over $550,000 in crops and $279,000 in machinery last year. Altogether, almost $1.3 million worth of goods were stolen on the island, which comprised a significant portion of the $2.3 million reported statewide. Interestingly, the most impacted victims appear to be fruit and vegetable producers, who are particularly susceptible to these thefts.
Of the 644 agricultural crimes reported to law enforcement in 2024, only 47 led to arrests, raising questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement responses to these incidents. The perception of crime among agricultural professionals remains relatively stagnant, with a USDA survey from 2024 revealing that 78% of respondents believe that crime levels have not changed since 2019. Just 14% of respondents perceived an increase in crime over that period.
Trespassing has been identified as a significant issue within the agricultural community, with ranchers particularly vulnerable. A staggering 4,042 out of 9,224 reported agricultural crime cases involved trespassing incidents. While the majority of these reports originated from the Big Island, only 145 of the trespassing cases statewide included threats of violence. It is noteworthy that trespassing incidents have actually decreased by over a third since 2019, indicating a potential shift in this specific category of crime.
Despite the decline in trespassing cases, many producers remain skeptical about reporting crimes. Hurd explained that a culture of cynicism prevails, with agricultural producers feeling that reporting crimes is futile due to a lack of recovery or accountability for offenders. This attitude is particularly concerning as it allows for unchecked criminal activity within the industry.
The murder of Pia resonated deeply within the agricultural community, catalyzing a comprehensive response from lawmakers. In the wake of this tragedy, a series of briefings and meetings occurred throughout 2024, focusing on the pressing issue of agricultural crime. These discussions culminated in the introduction of Senate Bill 1249, also known as “Duke’s Law.”
This proposed legislation aims to strengthen penalties for trespassing and introduce an agricultural enforcement pilot program under the Department of Law Enforcement, among other reforms. If signed into law, the bill would create nine additional positions dedicated to managing the program on Oʻahu and the Big Island, supported by a budget of $1.9 million over the next two fiscal years.
Hurd expressed optimism that the new law would send a clear deterrent message to would-be trespassers. The bill proposes increased fines for trespassing, with first-time offenders facing a minimum fine of $500 and potential jail time. Repeat offenders could face fines up to $2,000 and jail sentences of up to 90 days, while poachers may encounter even harsher penalties.
In conclusion, the passage of Duke’s Law is expected to not only increase accountability for agricultural crimes but also encourage reporting. Richards believes that a culture of change may be on the horizon, potentially leading to an increase in reported cases as producers regain faith in the system. As the agricultural community anticipates these developments, the hope remains that meaningful progress will emerge in the fight against agricultural crime in Hawaiʻi.
image source from：https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/06/agricultural-crime-rife-hawaii-security-lags/
