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SCR 116

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.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 2 co-sponsors

Hawaii counties urged to require agricultural landowners record declarations acknowledging land use regulations and noncompliance penalties to prevent illegal conversions.

Re-Referred to WTL.
#agriculturallands #counties #declarationofcompliance #regulations
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Bill Summary · SCR 116

Legislative bill overview

SCR 116 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's counties to adopt local zoning ordinances requiring agricultural land owners to sign and record declarations acknowledging state and county agricultural regulations, land use requirements, and penalties for violating these rules. The resolution does not create new law itself but advocates for county-level action to formalize agricultural landowners' awareness of their legal obligations.

Why is this important

Agricultural land in Hawaii is a finite resource with significant cultural, environmental, and food security implications. This measure aims to reduce violations of agricultural regulations by ensuring landowners have documented knowledge of their obligations, potentially preventing illegal land conversions and protecting Hawaii's farming capacity. The recorded declarations create a legal record that could strengthen enforcement actions against non-compliant property owners.

Potential points of contention

  • Property rights concerns: Agricultural landowners may view mandatory declarations as burdensome paperwork or an infringement on property rights, particularly if agricultural zoning restrictions are perceived as overly restrictive
  • Enforceability questions: Recording declarations doesn't automatically prevent violations; critics may argue this is performative without adequate county resources for enforcement and monitoring
  • Fairness to existing owners: Landowners who purchased properties years ago may object to retroactively requiring them to sign new declarations acknowledging regulations they already knew about

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

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