HI HB1294

Establishes an Agricultural Workforce Housing Working Group within the Department of Agriculture to address housing shortages for agricultural workers statewide

Working group membership includes the governor, state agency heads (agriculture, housing, land use), all four county mayors, county planning and housing directors, and representatives from agricultural organizations including Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Farmers Union United

Group responsibilities include assessing housing needs by county, reviewing zoning and land use policies for housing near agricultural zones, exploring public-private partnerships, and studying feasibility of a state income tax credit for agricultural workforce housing construction

Interim report due 20 days before the 2027 legislative session; final report with recommendations and proposed legislation due 20 days before the 2028 session

Appropriates unspecified general fund amounts for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027; working group dissolves June 30, 2028; effective date of July 1, 2050