Bill > HB826

This bill authorizes county planning commissions to permit residential housing developments in agricultural districts under specific conditions, focusing on agricultural workforce housing, long-term rentals, or workforce fee simple ownership. The proposed housing projects must meet four key criteria: be no larger than 100 acres, be immediately adjacent to the urban district (but not in the conservation district), be located on lands with lower agricultural productivity (soils classified as C, D, E, or U), and be identified for residential use in a county comprehensive general plan adopted after 2005. Developers must obtain written concurrence from the executive director confirming the project's residential housing purpose and submit applications through a review process similar to existing land use regulations. All agencies can charge reasonable fees for application reviews. The bill includes a sunset provision, meaning these provisions will be repealed on June 30, 2035, and will technically take effect on July 1, 3000 (which appears to be a typographical error and likely means 2000). The legislation aims to provide more flexible housing options in agricultural areas while maintaining certain land use protections.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=826&year=2026