HI HR42

Requests the Department of Agriculture to examine WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) operations in Hawaii and collaborate with the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to review relevant labor laws.

Directs the Department of Agriculture to evaluate safeguards and protections for participants in WWOOFing programs, which involve volunteers working on organic farms in exchange for room and board.

Identifies concerns about unsafe conditions WWOOFers may face, including substandard housing, excessive work hours, inadequate facilities, and risks of drug use and sexual assault.

Requires the Department of Agriculture to submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2018 Regular Session, including the prevalence of WWOOFing in Hawaii and any proposed legislation.

Currently, no rules or regulations exist for WWOOFing exchange programs in Hawaii; the resolution seeks recommendations on potential certification, permitting, or registration requirements.