Bill > SB1332

This bill addresses housing challenges for farmers and agricultural workers in Hawaii by establishing a new farm cluster housing incentive for lands designated as important agricultural lands. The bill repeals the existing provision (Section 205-45.5) that regulated farm dwellings and employee housing, and replaces it with a more flexible framework that allows landowners on agricultural lands of at least ten acres to develop compact housing clusters for actively farming residents. The new provision requires that housing units be leased only to farmers or farm employees currently working on the agricultural lands, occupy no more than 5% of the lot or 10 acres, and meet specific building and infrastructure standards. Counties are required to create ordinances that enable this housing approach, including providing priority permit processing, allowing more housing units per lot than typical zoning permits, and requiring submission of an agricultural plan. The bill aims to reduce housing costs for agricultural workers, support agricultural viability, and prevent residential sprawl by concentrating housing in small, designated areas while maintaining the primary agricultural use of the land. This approach is intended to incentivize the designation and active use of important agricultural lands in Hawaii.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1332&year=2025