HI SCR116

Urges Hawaii's four counties to adopt local zoning ordinances requiring owners of agricultural-zoned lands to execute and record declarations acknowledging state and county agricultural land use regulations, requirements, and penalties for noncompliance.

Identifies that nearly 2,000,000 acres statewide are designated for agricultural use, but only approximately 886,211 acres (120,632 crop acres and 765,579 grazing acres) are actively in agricultural production.

Notes that between 2015 and 2020, planted crop acreage statewide decreased by 21 percent (31,207 acres), though diversified agriculture increased by 22 percent (3,695 acres).

Encourages counties to promote active agricultural use by providing information to agricultural landowners about farm apprenticeship and mentoring programs available through state and local organizations.

References Maui County's existing practice of requiring such compliance declarations when building permits are obtained, and recommends all counties adopt similar recorded declaration requirements to ensure future owners are informed of obligations.