HI HB994

Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to conduct a study analyzing rural district policies and standards under Hawaii's land use law to increase effectiveness in protecting agricultural working lands.

Study must include research of best practices from other jurisdictions, development of options for expanding the rural district through reclassification of agricultural lands, and recommendations for related legislation.

Office of Planning and Sustainable Development shall coordinate with the Land Use Commission, Department of Agriculture, county planning departments, and community stakeholders including farming interests during the study.

Interim report of findings and recommendations due to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2024 regular session; final report due no later than twenty days before the 2025 regular session.

Appropriates unspecified funds from general revenues for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct the study and produce required reports.