Bill > SB216

This bill addresses concerns about residential activities on agricultural park lots in Hawaii by establishing strict regulations on farm dwellings. Specifically, the bill prohibits any person from residing on an agricultural park lot unless they first obtain a permit from the Board of Agriculture, which must conduct a thorough review of the proposed farm dwelling that includes input from adjacent landowners and an evaluation of potential nuisances like dust and noise pollution. The bill also prevents the construction of new farm dwellings on agricultural park lots. To enforce these provisions, the Department of Agriculture is authorized to inspect agricultural park lots during fiscal year 2025-2026 and refer any instances of unpermitted farm dwellings to the Board of Agriculture. The legislative findings indicate that existing residential activities on agricultural park lots, particularly on Maui, have been causing community complaints and burdens for existing farmers and ranchers, thus necessitating these new restrictions to preserve the intended agricultural use of these lands.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=216&year=2025