Senate committee passes ag workforce housing preference with amendments to protect small farmers

Lawmakers and stakeholders debated SB 32 33 on Feb. 12, a bill that would award points or preferences in state procurement and land programs to agricultural projects that incorporate ag workforce housing.

Wendy Gaiety (ADC) testified in support, describing the bill as an incentive that should be favorably received. Brian Miyamoto (Hawaii Farm Bureau) supported the measure but urged flexibility so small and diversified farmers who cannot meet a suggested 20% housing threshold are not excluded. Hunter Hevelin (Hawaii Farmers Union) cautioned the committee that incentives could unintentionally concentrate state land and resources in well‑capitalized, large operations; he recommended amendments to ensure the workforce housing benefits multiple farmers and does not favor only large producers. Bonnie Kalakoye of the State Procurement Office asked for clarification on how preferences would be applied and recommended restricting applicability to certain procurement types (e.g., bids or RFPs).

Committee discussion focused on whether incentives (rather than mandates) would meaningfully increase housing for agricultural workers and on preserving opportunities for smallholders. The committee adopted the bill with State Procurement Office suggested amendments to clarify procurement applicability and with the Hawaii Farmers Union suggested amendment to limit concentration of benefits; the committee also changed the defective date to July 1, 2050 to allow continued discussion.

What happens next: Staff will prepare the technical changes indicated by the SPO and the Farmers Union amendment. Agencies named in the bill (ADC and DAB) and the State Procurement Office will likely coordinate implementation details if the measure continues to advance.