Supporters call HB 17-37 a win for farmers, agricultural workforce housing

Committee members heard support for HB 17-37, which clarifies that a permitted farm dwelling may include an accessory employee housing structure subject to restrictions. The Department of Agriculture and county planning voices provided comments; Hawaii Farmers Union and industry groups wrote in or testified in support.

Ted Kefalas of the Grassroot Institute testified in support: "We think this is a great win for farmers that can expand operations, a great win for employees that, you know, will have housing close to work." Committee members noted the bill includes proposed amendments from OPSD and that some organizations had offered alternate language; the committee moved HB 17-37 forward with amendments and asked agencies to submit suggested technical edits.