WeVote
Log In

Bill

WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 498

Legislative bill overview

SB 498 addresses the shortage of housing for agricultural workers in Hawaii by establishing or modifying provisions to facilitate workforce housing development in agricultural areas. The bill passed the Agriculture and Environment Committee with amendments and advanced through the legislative process, though it was carried over to the 2026 session before reaching final consideration.

Why is this important

Hawaii's agricultural sector faces significant challenges attracting and retaining workers, partly due to severe housing shortages and high costs. By creating pathways for agricultural workforce housing, the bill aims to support both farm viability and worker retention in a state where agriculture is culturally and economically significant but increasingly difficult to sustain.

Potential points of contention

  • Land use regulations: Agricultural workforce housing may require relaxing zoning restrictions or agricultural land use designations, raising concerns about whether land will truly remain in agricultural use or gradually convert to other development
  • Affordability definitions and enforcement: Questions about what constitutes "affordable" for agricultural workers, how long affordability requirements last, and mechanisms to prevent speculative conversion or investor acquisition
  • Funding and implementation: Whether the bill includes sufficient funding, tax incentives, or public-private partnership mechanisms to actually construct housing, or if it primarily removes regulatory barriers

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

Sign in to ask a question.