HI SB2944

Establishes the Kupuna Retreat Education Act for Teaching Ecology (K.R.E.A.T.E.) to authorize counties to issue permits for educational retreat operations in remote rural areas.

Defines educational retreats as farm-campus entities providing instructional programs in nature, culture, wellness, and sustainable living, limited to average density of eight residents per acre on no more than 500 habitable acres.

Requires applicants to submit detailed applications to county planning departments including site plans, program descriptions, assessment of non-practicable county codes, and state permits; Department of Health has 30 days to review for environmental impact and determine waiver appropriateness.

Authorizes planning departments to issue permits upon approval if no detrimental environmental impact is found, no county codes are violated, and applicant demonstrates the retreat would benefit the area through sustainable living practices.

Requires county planning departments to adopt implementing rules by September 1, 2014, and takes effect July 1, 2014; permits run with the land and permittees must submit annual activity reports to the planning department.