H.B. 1923 Summary

• Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 205-4.5 to allow overnight camps operating before January 1, 1961, to be approved via special permit in agricultural districts, reversing the effect of a March 2023 Hawaii Supreme Court ruling that prohibited special permits for overnight camps in agricultural districts.

• Addresses the impact on four Maui campgrounds and two Oahu campgrounds that are grandfathered uses but face expiration of special permits, which would otherwise require costly district boundary amendments to change land use classification to urban.

• Maintains the general prohibition on overnight camps in agricultural districts while creating an exception for pre-1961 camps through the special permit process rather than requiring spot zoning changes.

• Takes effect upon approval.