S.B. 1177 Summary

• Establishes a five-year leasehold common interest agricultural community pilot program within the Department of Agriculture, requiring creation of at least three pilot projects on state-owned agricultural lands.

• Allows farmers to lease farm parcels and collectively own/manage shared agricultural infrastructure including irrigation systems, roads, and equipment through a farm parcel lessees' association.

• Permits parcel lessees to enter right-to-till agreements with coordinating entrepreneurs to conduct agricultural operations while restricting uses to those permitted under HRS § 205-4.5(a) and prohibiting residential dwellings.

• Requires developer registration with the Department of Agriculture, county zoning compliance review, emergency access and fire safety plans, and public offering statements disclosing project details to prospective lessees.

• Pilot program expires June 30, 2023; amends HRS § 484-3 to exempt leasehold common interest agricultural communities from subdivision disclosure requirements; requires annual progress reports to the legislature and final evaluation report by 2023.