Proposed Hennery Bill to be Discussed by Hawaii County Planning Commission
Hawaii Henery Bill: A Look at Bill 52 and Its Controversies
Amidst the bustling islands of Hawaii, a bill aimed at allowing residents to raise hens and other female poultry for household egg production has sparked debate. Known as Bill 52, the proposed legislation has been introduced by Councilwoman Heather Kimball and is currently under review by the Leeward and Windward planning commissions.
The bill, if passed, would amend Chapter 25 of the County Code to define a "household hennery." It would also establish regulations focusing on the confinement of hens to coops or enclosures, and the number of birds allowed would depend on the lot size, as per the regulations in Bill 52. However, it's worth noting that as of August 2025, there is no specific publicly detailed "Hawaii henery bill" available in the current legislative records or news sources.
Bill 52 has its supporters, such as Jonathan Helton, a policy analyst at the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii. Helton believes that the bill would enhance Hawaii Island's self-sufficiency efforts and reduce the need for egg imports. On the other hand, Mark Miller, a concerned resident, argues that allowing agricultural practices on residential land could negatively impact residents' quiet enjoyment of their property.
One of the key points of contention in Bill 52 is the prohibition of keeping roosters. The bill allows these birds on single-family, double-family, multiple-family residential, and residential-commercial mixed-use parcels. However, if agricultural practices are allowed on residential land, homeowners' property values might be affected, as suggested by Mark Miller.
The bill is set to return to the council committee after feedback from the planning commissions. If it progresses, it could pave the way for a new era of backyard farming in Hawaii, or it could face opposition from those concerned about the potential impact on residential areas. As the debate continues, it's clear that Bill 52 has the potential to significantly alter the agricultural landscape of the islands.
It's important to note that if you're seeking details on poultry or henkeeping regulations in Hawaiian residential zones, those are likely governed by local county ordinances and zoning laws rather than a state-level bill currently in the 2025 legislature. For more information on typical henkeeping regulations in Hawaii’s residential areas, I can assist with guidance based on existing county and state agricultural policies.
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- The current debate surrounding Bill 52 in Hawaii falls under the realm of policy-and-legislation, as it involves the modification of existing county code and the introduction of new regulations for raising hens in residential areas.
- This hot topic in general-news, the Hawaii Henery Bill, has sparked a contentious political discussion, with supporters advocating for agricultural self-sufficiency and opponents raising concerns about residential property values and quiet enjoyment.
