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Committee forwards household‑hen bill to planning commissions; duplicate measure withdrawn
Summary
Hawaii County committee voted to send Bill 52 (allowing hens for household egg production in certain residential zones) to the planning commissions for review and accepted the withdrawal of a similar Bill 53. The committee debated allowable counts, neighbor impacts and enforcement before the referral vote.
The Hawaii County Council Policy Committee on Planning, Land Use and Economic Development on May 20, 2025, voted to forward Bill 52—permitting hens for household egg production in specified residential zoning districts—to the planning commissions for review. A similar measure, Bill 53, was withdrawn during the meeting.
Why it matters: The referral starts a formal planning commission review of zoning and regulatory details for backyard hens on the Big Island. Proponents said the changes promote food resilience and allow residents to produce eggs for household use; opponents and some council members urged care about nuisance impacts and limits.
Bill 52,…
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