Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB2961

Introduced
1/24/24  
Refer
1/26/24  
Introduced
1/24/24  
Report Pass
2/16/24  
Refer
1/26/24  
Report Pass
2/16/24  

Caption

Relating To Agricultural Workforce Housing.

Impact

The working group is tasked with assessing existing laws and policies potentially limiting the development of workforce housing near agricultural zones. The initiative emphasizes understanding and overcoming barriers in zoning and land use policies that could facilitate constructing housing that meets the needs of agricultural workers. By collaborating with both public and private entities, the bill aims to create adaptive reuse projects for agricultural workforce housing.

Summary

SB2961 mandates the establishment of an Agricultural Workforce Housing Working Group to tackle the challenges associated with agricultural workforce housing in Hawaii. The bill directs the Department of Agriculture to form this group, which will comprise various stakeholders, including state officials, county mayors, and representatives from agricultural organizations. The objective is to comprehensively address the housing needs of the agricultural workforce across the counties, considering local demographics and disparities in housing availability.

Contention

Key discussions surrounding the bill involve the feasibility of implementing financial incentives, such as tax credits for agricultural employers, to support housing developments. The working group's findings and recommendations will inform future legislative actions, and their interim report is due prior to the legislature's regular session in 2025. Concerns may arise regarding the allocation of resources and the effectiveness of the proposed tax incentives, along with the potential for bureaucratic delays in establishing the working group.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI SB498

Relating To Agricultural Workforce Housing.

HI HB1294

Relating To Agricultural Workforce Housing.

HI SB1573

Relating To Affordable Housing.

HI SB1573

Relating To Affordable Housing.

HI HB1317

Relating To Workforce Housing.

HI SB867

Relating To Affordable Housing.

HI SB1200

Relating To Workforce Housing.

HI SB762

Relating To Agricultural Crimes.

HI SB2836

Relating To Maui's Permanent Housing Recovery.

HI SB1352

Relating To Housing.

Similar Bills

HI HB1294

Relating To Agricultural Workforce Housing.

HI SB498

Relating To Agricultural Workforce Housing.

HI SR208

Requesting Various State Government Entities To Take Certain Actions To Effectively Leverage Educational Resources In The State To Ensure Career Readiness Workforce Development.

HI SCR215

Requesting The University Of Hawaii To Investigate And Address The Feasibility And Accessibility Of Developing And Implementing A Nursing Program At Honolulu Community College.

HI HB1086

Relating To Workforce Development.

HI SB1384

Relating To Workforce Development.

HI HB1086

Relating To Workforce Development.

HI SB2351

Relating To Workforce Development.