STAND. COM. REP. NO. 17

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: H.B. No. 247

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred H.B. No. 247 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL LANDS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to implement several recommendations with regard to land subdivision and condominium property regime laws relating to agricultural lands made by the Office of Planning as a result of a study conducted pursuant to Act 278, Session Laws of Hawaii 2019 (Act 278).

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Agriculture, Office of Planning, Real Estate Commission, Department of Planning and Permitting of the City and County of Honolulu, Chair of the Maui County Council, Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Cattlemen's Council. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Taxation.

Your Committee finds that Act 278 directed the Office of Planning to study subdivision and condominium property regime issues on agricultural lands. In collaboration with a broad group of stakeholders, this measure strengthens the definition of "farm dwelling" to recognize only bona fide farms, allows county enforcement of unpermitted structures, and allows counties to submit comments before the registration of a condominium property regime.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 247 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Agriculture.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair