Bill > HB189

This bill requires counties in Hawaii to establish comprehensive ordinances governing agricultural tourism, expanding the types of permitted uses on agricultural lands to include both accessory and secondary uses. The bill mandates that counties develop detailed regulations for agricultural tourism activities, including requirements for farm access, parking, auxiliary facilities like gift shops and restaurants, permissible visitor activities, operational hours, and provisions for terminating such uses if the primary farming operation ceases. Importantly, the bill stipulates that agricultural tourism can only occur on land where a principal agricultural use is already established and actively producing agricultural products, and that the land must be taxed as agricultural and current on tax obligations. The goal is to support farmers by allowing them to diversify their income streams through tourism-related activities while ensuring that the primary agricultural purpose of the land remains intact. Counties will have the authority to require environmental assessments and set specific guidelines for these agricultural tourism uses, with the overarching aim of preserving agricultural lands and supporting farming operations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=189&year=2026