STAND. COM. REP. NO. 248

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                   

 

RE:     S.B. No. 789

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Agriculture and Environment, to which was referred S.B. No. 789 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO FARM DWELLINGS,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

 

     (1)  Prohibit the construction of new farm dwellings on agricultural park lots beginning January 1, 2024; and

 

     (2)  Prohibit residence within an unpermitted farm dwelling and authorize inspections for enforcement.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from nine individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from four individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Agriculture.

 

     Your Committee finds that the emergence of farm dwellings on agricultural park lots has contributed to community complaints concerning dust, noise pollution, and other nuisances arising from the residential use of farm dwellings, particularly on Maui.  This measure therefore prohibits construction of any new farm dwellings on agricultural park lots beginning January 1, 2024; prohibits the residence within any unpermitted farm dwelling on agricultural park lots; and authorizes inspections for enforcement.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Agriculture and Environment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 789 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Agriculture and Environment,

 

 

 

________________________________

MIKE GABBARD, Chair