Senate committee approves farm‑worker housing changes, forms ag workforce housing working group

The joint Agriculture, Environment & Natural Resources and Housing committees advanced two bills aimed at expanding and clarifying housing for agricultural workers on Feb. 18.

On HB1737 (HD3), the committee adopted the chair’s package of amendments to specify that farm‑employee housing be occupied only by agricultural employees and their immediate family members actively engaged in farm operations; to grandfather existing permitted units; to preserve county zoning authority; and to allow agricultural tourism only as a secondary, incidental use. The chair also removed a proposed per‑acre square‑footage ratio and shifted the bill’s effective date to July 1, 2050. The motion passed by voice vote with five members in favor.

Supporters said the changes aim to keep scarce, mission‑specific housing available to working farmers rather than allowing speculative conversion. Maya Hunter of the Maui County Department of Agriculture told the committee, “We stand on our support testimony for this bill and are open for questions.” Hunter Hevilin of the Hawaii Farmers Union said the union supported the measure and recommended adding a definition of “affordable.”

Members questioned how to prevent misuse and noted that definitions and safeguards matter. Department of Agriculture planner Earl Yamamoto cited 2022 farm data, saying about 69% of the state’s 6,569 farms reported annual income of $10,000 or less, which helps target where demand for workforce housing might be highest.

The committee also moved HB1604 (HD2), which would create an agricultural workforce housing working group in the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. The chair’s amendments add a representative from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and an organization that addresses Hawaii’s housing shortage; expand the scope to study innovative housing models such as modular homes, tiny homes, and container homes; and direct the group to examine permitting and zoning streamlining. OHA asked that any data collected be disaggregated to identify Native Hawaiian agricultural operators and requested an invitation to serve on the working group.

The committee’s passage of the two bills was framed as a planning and coordination step to address workforce housing shortages while preserving county land‑use authority and targeting protections for agricultural employees. The measures now move forward with the committee’s recommended amendments.

Ending: The committee recorded the recommendations as adopted and will include the amendments in committee reports as the bills proceed to further consideration.