New Grassroot report outlines ways to build more farmworker housing

Actions at the state and county levels would benefit the employees as well as farmers, ranchers and everyone who enjoys Hawaii-grown products 

News Release from Grassroot Institute

HONOLULU, Jan. 6, 2026 >> Hawaii farmers and ranchers often attest that attracting, training and retaining quality employees is difficult, given their sometimes remote locations and the cost of housing.

The Grassroot Institute of Hawaii today released a policy brief that addresses these issues and makes recommendations to encourage the building of more housing on agricultural lands throughout the state.

Titled “How to facilitate more housing for Hawaii farm and ranch workers,” the document lays out specific proposals to state and county lawmakers that would help redefine agricultural housing and reform or eliminate regulations that have hindered building in agricultural zones.

Written by Grassroot policy analyst Jonathan Helton, it recommends the following for the state:

   >> Allow more small homes to be built on agricultural lands.

   >> Permit cluster housing in agricultural districts.

   >> Redefine what is considered a “farm dwelling” to include subsistence agriculture.

For the state’s four counties, the new brief proposes:

   >> Promote more small farm dwellings.

   >> Reduce requirements for farmworker housing.

   >> Remove discretionary approvals for farmworker housing.

Helton writes, “Ensuring that agricultural workers can live near the farms and ranches that employ them would positively affect many people: the workers who need housing near where they work, the farmers and ranchers who are experiencing labor shortages, and consumers in Hawaii and around the world who like to buy Hawaii-grown agricultural products.”

Helton further points out that state and county governments would benefit through increased revenues derived from property and general excise taxes and other taxes and fees from homebuilding and the sale of agricultural products.

In his preface to the policy brief, Grassroot President and CEO Keli‘i Akina puts it this way:

“When farmers and farmworkers live on the land they tend, everyone gains. Workers are safely and affordably housed and have reliable access to their jobs. Farm and ranch owners benefit by being able to better train and retain quality employees. State and county governments see their revenues increase in the form of taxes and fees from homebuilding and agricultural sales. And we all get to enjoy Hawaii-grown food products.”

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