HI HB1863

Changes the requirement for agricultural tourism activities with overnight accommodations (21 days or less) from counties with "at least three islands" to counties with "a population of 500,000 or more" in Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 205-4.5(a)(14).

Adds composting and co-composting operations as a permitted use in agricultural districts, with operations processing their own green waste required to use finished product only on their own premises to prevent invasive species spread.

Allows solar energy facilities on Class B and C productivity soils under special use permit, requiring agricultural land availability at 50% below fair market rent, financial security for decommissioning, and restoration of land after facility closure.

Permits hydroelectric facilities, geothermal resources development, wind energy facilities, biofuel processing facilities, and agricultural-energy facilities in agricultural districts with specified conditions and compatibility requirements.

Effective date: July 1, 2024.