HB 593 Summary

• Authorizes utility scale solar energy facilities on Hawaii agricultural lands classified as overall productivity rating class A, B, or C, subject to special use permit requirements and agricultural coexistence provisions.

• Requires solar facilities on class A, B, or C lands to limit occupancy to 10% of parcel acreage or 20 acres (whichever is less) unless a special use permit is granted under section 205-6.

• For class A lands specifically, mandates solar facilities be located within 2 miles of a 138kV transmission line, limited to 35-year use periods, provide 60% below fair market lease rates for agricultural use, include binding agricultural contracts, and undergo public hearings before construction.

• Restricts aggregate utility scale solar development on class A lands statewide to no more than 1% of total class A agricultural land per county.

• Sunsets the Act on June 30, 2025, returning land use classifications to their prior form.