A bill that would allow so-called “sustainable living research sites” skirt county building codes in Maui and Hawaii counties is moving through the state Legislature despite opposition from several state agencies and an ethics complaint against the bill’s sponsor.
SB 2274, sponsored by Sen. Russell Ruderman, a Puna Democrat, cleared the House Water and Land Committee on Monday. It would require Maui and Hawaii counties to create a specialized permit for the sustainable living sites on parcels of less than 15 acres within the rural and agricultural districts.
The sites would promote a live-in environment that emphasizes conservation, waste re-use, organic foods, renewable energy and shared living.
The committee cleared the bill on a 6-1 vote, with Rep. Faye Hanohano, a Puna Democrat, the sole no. Among the six voting in favor were Rep. Cindy Evans, D-North Kona, South Kohala, and Rep. Nicole Lowen, D-Kailua-Kona, Holualoa, Kalaoa, Honokohau.
Get the full story in the Tuesday, March 11, edition of West Hawaii Today or visit westhawaiitoday.com.