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Bill

Bill

SB 2006

RELATING TO FARM EMPLOYEE HOUSING.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kurt Fevella and 5 co-sponsors

SB 2006 establishes or modifies farm employee housing requirements in Hawaii, affecting agricultural employers' obligations to provide housing for their workforce.

Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House.
#accessoryemployeehousing #agriculturaldistricts #agriculture #zoning #farmdwellings
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Bill Summary · SB 2006

Legislative bill overview

SB 2006 addresses housing provisions for farm employees in Hawaii by establishing or modifying requirements for agricultural employers regarding employee housing facilities. The bill has recently been introduced and referred to the Agriculture and Environment (AEN), Housing (HOU), and Judiciary (JDC) committees for review.

Why is this important

Hawaii's agricultural sector faces significant workforce challenges, and employee housing directly affects farm labor recruitment, retention, and working conditions. Housing access influences agricultural productivity and the viability of Hawaii's farming operations, which have economic and food security implications for the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural industry compliance costs: Farmers may face substantial expenses to construct, maintain, or upgrade housing facilities, potentially affecting smaller operations disproportionately
  • Housing standards and enforcement: Disagreement over what housing quality standards should apply and how strictly they should be enforced could create regulatory burden concerns
  • Scope of applicability: Debate over which farms and farm sizes should be covered, and whether the requirements apply to all agricultural employees or specific categories

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

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