HB 1349 Summary

• Allows composting and co-composting operations as permitted uses in Hawaii's agricultural districts, removing previous barriers to establishing composting enterprises in those areas.

• Adds composting and co-composting to the list of permissible agricultural district activities in Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 205-2(d) and establishes them as permitted uses under Section 205-4.5(g).

• Legislation aims to divert food waste from landfills (currently 25% of waste stream) and achieve Hawaii's sustainability goals including 70% waste reduction by 2030 under the Aloha+ Challenge and increased local food production.

• Benefits include improving soil health, increasing drought resistance, reducing fertilizer and pesticide needs, sequestering carbon to mitigate climate change, and reducing burden on county landfills facing capacity issues.

• Takes effect July 1, 2050.