Bill > SB216

This bill addresses residential use on agricultural park lots in Hawaii by prohibiting individuals from living on these lots without explicit permission from the Board of Agriculture. Specifically, the bill requires that any farm dwelling on an agricultural park lot must first be thoroughly reviewed and permitted by the board, with a comprehensive evaluation that includes input from adjacent landowners and consideration of potential nuisances like dust and noise pollution. During fiscal year 2025-2026, the Department of Agriculture will be authorized to conduct inspections of agricultural park lots to identify any unpermitted farm dwellings, and if such dwellings are found, the information will be referred to the Board of Agriculture. The bill's purpose is to address community complaints about residential activities on agricultural park lots, particularly on Maui, that may interfere with existing farming and ranching operations. The legislation aims to strictly control and limit residential use on these agricultural lands to preserve their primary agricultural purpose and minimize conflicts between residents and active farmers or ranchers.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=216&year=2026