HI HB533

Establishes the "new ahupua`a zone" as a development zone in Hawaii County (the county with the second largest resident population) consisting of approximately 120,000 acres of state forest reserve land in the central eastern region.

Designates the Department of Agriculture to oversee the zone with a for-profit or nonprofit entity selected by the Governor to manage operations, including land leasing, farm recruitment, and master plan implementation.

Grants comprehensive tax exemptions including general excise tax exemption for 10 years, state tax exemption while business improvements are depreciated, and general excise tax reimbursement for 7 years on goods and services directly related to zone businesses.

Exempts zone construction from all state and county building permit requirements (though plans must be prepared by licensed professionals) and exempts projects from zoning and land use requirements, subject only to Division of Forestry and Wildlife approval.

Authorizes the zone entity to allow timber harvesting, rock quarries, water wells, solar installations, farm dwellings, agricultural field roads, and potentially a private or government-run prison with inmate work programs, with appropriations to be determined.