HB 995 Summary

• Clarifies that the Land Use Commission's adoption of county maps designating important agricultural lands shall occur through rulemaking (not contested case proceedings) in accordance with Hawaii Administrative Rules.

• Repeals section 205-45.5 (existing farm dwelling and employee housing requirements on important agricultural lands) and establishes a new "farm cluster housing" incentive allowing concentrated housing developments on lots of at least 10 acres.

• Permits farm cluster housing on important agricultural lands to be rented to farmers and farm employees who actively farm the designated lands and their immediate family members, with housing units concentrated to minimize land use.

• Requires counties to enact ordinances allowing farm cluster housing with priority permit processing, exemption from subdivision requirements, and ability to exceed underlying zoning density limits.

• Adds farm cluster housing to section 205-46.5 for priority permit processing when the majority of applicant's lands are designated as important agricultural lands.