Bill Text: HI HB1477 | 2018 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To Agricultural Land.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2017-11-30 - Carried over to 2018 Regular Session. [HB1477 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2018-HB1477-Amended.html
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1477 |
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TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL LAND.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that there is no better place in the world to camp than Hawaii. Camping is available on state land on every island in some of the most scenic locations. However, public campsites apply many restrictions, including prohibitions on dogs in campsites. Additionally, the demand for prime campsite locations often outweighs the supply. Providing for private campgrounds on private lands will increase the available supply and the available options for campers.
Some of the most challenging and memorable hikes in the State take several hours to complete and many hikers would like the option of camping near trailheads. State lands for campsites may not be available in these locations and the development of national parks by the federal government is not a reliable option. Campgrounds on private lands could fill this need.
The legislature finds that allowing camping on private agricultural lands with appropriate soil classification will benefit the State by providing more opportunities for recreation and making it possible for campground managers to allow hikers and campers the option to bring their pets with them. Further, campgrounds can serve as an important revenue stream for owners of undeveloped agricultural land.
The purpose of this Act is to permit private campgrounds on certain agricultural lands.
SECTION 2. (a) There is established within the department of agriculture the overnight campgrounds pilot program.
(b) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, overnight campgrounds shall be permitted on private property in the county of Hawaii in agricultural districts on land with soil classified by the land study bureau's detailed land classification as overall (master) productivity rating class C, D, and E; provided that:
(1) Any overnight campground shall be located no more than fifteen miles from the official park entrance of the Kahuku Unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in the Kau district; and
(2) No more than three overnight campground sites shall be permitted in the pilot program.
(c) Any overnight campground may charge daily rents or fees to users of the campground and may reflect the level of services and facilities that are provided.
(d) Overnight campgrounds shall allow users of the campground to be accompanied by pet dogs at the campground.
(e) The department of agriculture shall submit preliminary reports of its findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular sessions of 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
(f) The department of agriculture shall submit a final report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2022 regarding the overnight campgrounds pilot program, including whether the program should be extended or made permanent.
(g) The department of agriculture may adopt rules to effectuate this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 31, 2150, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2022.
Report Title:
Overnight Campgrounds; Agricultural Districts; County of Hawaii; Five-year Pilot Program
Description:
Permits overnight campgrounds on private property on certain agricultural lands in the County of Hawaii under a five-year pilot program. (HB1477 HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
