As Maui continues to evolve, so does its approach to zoning, land use, and housing. Three newly enacted bills—Bill 75 (2025), Bill 76 (2025), and Bill 104 (2024)—address key aspects of real estate and land use that could affect homeowners, investors, and buyers alike. Here’s a breakdown of what each bill does, along with the pros and cons for the Maui real estate community.

Bill 75 (2025): Expanding Agricultural Tourism on Maui

📄 View the full bill

Summary:

Bill 75 formally allows agricultural tourism as an accessory use on working farms. It defines the types of experiences permitted—like workshops, tastings, farm tours, and cultural demonstrations—and sets rules for hours, parking, and registration.

Key Provisions:

Farms may now host ag-tourism activities between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (with certain cultural exemptions allowed outside those hours).

  • Activities must be secondary to active farming operations.
  • Participants must park in designated off-street areas (paving not required).
  • Farms must be registered and meet access and safety standards.

Pros:

✔ Encourages diversified income streams for local farmers

✔ Supports cultural education and community-based tourism

✔ Adds value for rural property owners and eco-conscious buyers

Cons:

✖ Activities are prohibited if farming stops for more than 60 days

✖ Potential for increased traffic in rural/agricultural areas

✖ May trigger concerns among neighbors about noise and commercialization

 

Bill 76 (2025): Mobile Food Trucks in the Agricultural District

📄 View the full bill

Summary:

This bill makes it easier for small farmers to operate mobile food trucks or trailers on their land without needing a Special Use Permit, so long as they’re 1,000 square feet or less.

Key Provisions:

  • Food trucks and trailers now fall under the definition of agricultural food establishments and are allowed by right.
  • These vehicles must serve food made with Hawaii-grown ingredients and follow Department of Health regulations.
  • Special Use Permits are still required in the Hana and Molokai plan areas after a certain number of trucks.

Pros:

✔ Supports small-scale entrepreneurship in rural areas

✔ Creates a direct-to-consumer outlet for local food producers

✔ Could increase property appeal for buyers looking to build ag-based businesses

Cons:

✖ Possible zoning pushback if food trucks become too commercial or dense in rural areas

✖ Limited to farms; not applicable for residential or urban-zoned land

✖ Parking restrictions apply; trucks can’t use required residential spaces

Bill 104 (2024): Adding Kitchenettes to Residential Properties

📄 View the full bill

 

Summary:

This bill introduces a new, defined category of “kitchenette” in residential properties, separate from full kitchens or wet bars. It allows homeowners to install a small food-prep area under strict limits, aiming to increase long-term housing flexibility.

Key Provisions:

  • Kitchenettes are now allowed in addition to a full kitchen, capped at two per dwelling (except on Molokai).
  • A kitchenette may include a sink, a small fridge, and limited plug-in appliances (no 220V outlets or ovens).
  • Each kitchenette requires one additional off-street parking space.

Pros:

✔ Provides flexibility for multigenerational households

✔ Helps homeowners create long-term rental or caregiver accommodations

✔ Potentially increases home value through functional space expansion

Cons:

✖ May be viewed as a workaround for creating illegal multifamily units

✖ Adds complexity to building permits and parking requirements

✖ Does not apply to properties on Molokai (kitchenettes prohibited)

Final Thoughts: What This Means for You

Each of these bills reflects a larger trend: Maui is balancing growth, housing needs, cultural preservation, and agricultural sustainability. Whether you’re buying your first Upcountry property, managing a farm in Haiku, or expanding your Kula estate, understanding these new ordinances is critical.

📌 What You Can Do:

  • Buyers: Consider how a kitchenette or mobile food option could add function or income to a property.
  • Sellers: Highlight new allowed uses (like ag tourism or added wet bars) as potential selling points.
  • Owners: Stay informed before making improvements, especially regarding parking, compliance, and zoning.

Need help navigating these changes? Contact us at The Maui Property Team. We’re here to guide you through every twist in the Maui real estate landscape—with expertise, integrity, and aloha.