Urging The Counties To Adopt Local Zoning Ordinances To Require Owners Of Agricultural-zoned Lands To Execute And Record Declarations That Acknowledge State And County Agricultural Land Use Regulations And Requirements And Penalties For Noncompliance.
The resolution seeks to address significant declines in active agricultural usage, evidenced by a 21% decrease in the statewide acreage of planted crops from 2015 to 2020. By establishing a requirement for declarations of compliance, the bill encourages clearer understanding and adherence to agricultural regulations, which may bolster local agriculture. Furthermore, it suggests enhancing resource access for agricultural landowners through informational programs about local agricultural resources, thus promoting greater farm productivity, job creation, and potentially diversifying the state's economy.
House Resolution 99, introduced in the Hawaii House of Representatives, aims to encourage counties to adopt local zoning ordinances requiring owners of agricultural-zoned lands to execute and record declarations of compliance with state and county agricultural land use regulations. This initiative comes in response to the concerning trend of underutilization of agricultural lands across Hawaii; nearly half of the state's 4.1 million acres are designated for agriculture, yet only a small fraction is actively used for farming or grazing. The bill reflects a broader commitment to enhancing local agricultural production amid growing concerns over food security and economic sustainability in the state.
While the resolution is largely seen as a proactive step toward revitalizing Hawaii’s agricultural industry, it may raise questions about local regulatory flexibility and the adequacy of supporting programs. One potential point of contention is the balance between regulation and the need for agricultural businesses to adapt to local conditions without excessive oversight. Stakeholders from agricultural sectors may express concerns over any additional burdens posed by compliance declarations or call for adequate support to ensure these regulations translate into meaningful improvements in agricultural productivity.