HI SB2961

Department of Agriculture shall establish an Agricultural Workforce Housing Working Group to address shortage and challenges of agricultural workforce housing in Hawaii.

Working group comprises 19 state and county officials including the Governor, board of agriculture chairperson (co-chair), Hawaiian homes commission chairperson, labor director, taxation director, and representatives from each county; co-chairs may invite additional members from agriculture organizations and other relevant experts.

Working group shall determine specific housing needs by county, assess existing laws and zoning policies for workforce housing construction near agricultural zones or in mixed-use developments, explore public-private partnerships, and identify financial incentives such as tax credits for agricultural employers.

Working group shall study feasibility of implementing a state income tax credit for investors constructing, installing, acquiring, or rehabilitating agricultural workforce housing in the State.

Working group shall submit interim report to legislature by 20 days before 2025 regular session and final report by 20 days before 2026 regular session; working group dissolves June 30, 2026.