HI SB2946

Requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to adopt rules allowing indigenous native Hawaiian architectural practices on subsistence agricultural lots for agricultural purposes and farmer housing.

Recognizes indigenous Hawaiian architecture as significant to Hawaiian history and culture, noting that such structures continued to be built into the nineteenth century after Western contact.

References Maui County's 1998 codes permitting indigenous architecture using ancient techniques combined with modern tools and materials, with requirements for fire sprinklers and smoke detectors unless buildings are at least 100 feet from other structures.

Notes that Act 222 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2007) required counties to adopt ordinances allowing native Hawaiian architectural practices in building codes by March 31, 2008, but acknowledges minimal progress has been made for residential applications.

Takes effect upon approval.