Bill > HB1294

This bill establishes an Agricultural Workforce Housing Working Group within the Department of Agriculture to address housing challenges for agricultural workers in Hawaii. The working group will be composed of high-level state officials, including the Governor, county mayors, and representatives from various agricultural and housing organizations. The group's primary responsibilities include determining specific housing needs for agricultural workers in each county, assessing existing resources and laws related to agricultural workforce housing, exploring partnerships with public and private entities, and identifying potential financial incentives like tax credits to support housing construction. The working group will investigate ways to construct housing near agricultural zones or in mixed-use development areas, and will be required to submit an interim report before the 2027 legislative session and a final report before the 2028 legislative session. The bill appropriates funds for the working group to gather data, prepare reports, and cover consultation fees and related expenses. The working group will be dissolved on June 30, 2028, and the bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2050, providing a long-term approach to addressing agricultural workforce housing challenges in Hawaii.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1294&year=2025