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Bill

HB 966

RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL TOURISM.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 21 co-sponsors

HB 966 establishes regulatory standards and operational guidelines for Hawaii's agricultural tourism sector to support farm business development while protecting visitor safety and environmental resources.

Re-Referred to AEN/WLA/EDT/EIG, WAM.
#agriculturaltourismactivities #luc #uniformstatewidestandards
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Bill Summary · HB 966

Legislative bill overview

HB 966 addresses regulatory frameworks and operational guidelines for agricultural tourism activities in Hawaii. The bill aims to clarify standards, licensing requirements, or liability protections for farms and agricultural operations that offer public-facing tourism experiences.

Why is this important

Agricultural tourism is a growing economic sector in Hawaii that diversifies farm income and supports rural communities, but inconsistent regulations create uncertainty for operators. Clear legislative guidance helps protect both agricultural businesses and visitors while promoting sustainable agritourism development.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden vs. safety standards: Balancing streamlined operations for small farms against necessary visitor safety and health code requirements
  • Liability and insurance requirements: Determining who bears financial responsibility if visitors are injured on agricultural properties
  • Environmental and land-use concerns: Ensuring tourism activities don't compromise agricultural productivity, water resources, or native ecosystems on working farms
  • Access and equity: Questions about whether regulations fairly apply to all farm sizes and types, or inadvertently favor larger operations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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