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Bill > SB1251


HI SB1251

Relating To Agricultural Tourism.


summary

Introduced
01/23/2025
In Committee
01/27/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Establishes statewide, uniform standards to promote agricultural tourism activities in the State by establishing state agricultural tourism activity requirements that are applicable to all counties that have adopted an agricultural tourism ordinance. Requires agricultural tourism activities to be registered by the county planning commission. Requires agricultural tourism activities to coexist with an agricultural activity on a farming operation and requires termination of the agricultural tourism activities upon cessation of the agricultural activity. Makes conforming amendments.

AI Summary

This bill establishes statewide, uniform standards for agricultural tourism activities in Hawaii, addressing the current inconsistent regulatory framework across the state's counties. The legislation creates a comprehensive framework that allows farmers to diversify their income by offering tourism experiences while ensuring these activities remain secondary to actual agricultural operations. Specifically, the bill requires agricultural tourism activities to be registered with the county planning commission and mandates that such activities must coexist with active agricultural operations, with revenue from tourism not exceeding revenue from agricultural production. The activities can include visitor experiences and even overnight accommodations (limited to 21 days per year in a single county), but must be accessory to and not interfere with the primary farming operation. Importantly, the authorization for these agricultural tourism activities will automatically terminate if the underlying agricultural activity ceases. The bill aims to support farmers by creating a more predictable and supportive regulatory environment, potentially helping agricultural businesses generate supplemental revenue and promote public understanding of farming practices while maintaining the integrity of agricultural lands.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Referred to WTL/AEN/EIG/EDT, WAM. (on 01/27/2025)

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