Law Enforcement

The HCC Law Enforcement Committee is dedicated to helping ranchers and livestock owners prepare for agricultural crimes that may impact their property and operations. Whether it's theft, vandalism, or other criminal activities, it's important to be ready to respond quickly and effectively. This committee works to ensure that Hawaii’s agricultural community is equipped with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to safeguard their livelihoods. By fostering a proactive approach, we aim to help ranchers and farmers better protect their assets, maintain their operations, and reduce the risks associated with agricultural crimes. HCC works closely with the Department of Law Enforcement, the Department of Agriculture, and our State Legislature to ensure agricultural crimes are treated as real crimes.

24/7 Tip Line to Report Agricultural Theft


4 Ways to Report:

Anonymous phone call at 808-427-3323 

Anonymous text message at 808-427-3323 

Submit a tip online here 

Download the SaferWatch app to submit tips and receive public safety alerts (see QR code above)

Dukes Law

Hawaii Senate Bill 1249, known as "Duke's Law," was signed into law on June 27, 2025, to combat agricultural crimes such as theft, vandalism, and illegal hunting. The legislation establishes a temporary Agricultural Enforcement Pilot Program within the Department of Law Enforcement, allocating $950,000 annually for two years to fund nine new enforcement positions on Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island. Dukes Law is meant to clarifies, create, and strengthen laws regarding crimes and violations related to agriculture or agricultural lands, as well as establish clear distinctions between administrative and criminal penalties.

Read Dukes Law Summary Prepared by HCC Here 

Ag Crime: The Unreported Threat - Insights PBS Hawaiʻi

Agricultural crimes have been impacting our farmers and ranchers, crimes like theft, vandalism and trespassing which threaten their livelihoods and even their lives. The general public is mostly unaware of the financial and physical threats farmers face, as many crimes go unreported.  

Panelists: 

Sen. Tim Richards, North Hilo, Waimea, North Kona – Agriculture and Environment Committee Vice-Chair 
Lani Cran Petrie, Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council President – Kapāpala Ranch, Kaʻu, Hawaiʻi County 
Brian Miyamoto, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau Executive Director 
Jefferson Malate, Hawaiʻi County Deputy Prosecutor