Bill > SB28

This bill modifies the voting requirements for the Hawaii State Land Use Commission (LUC), changing the threshold for approving boundary amendments from requiring six out of nine members to vote affirmatively to now requiring only a simple majority of members present and qualified to vote. The legislative findings highlight significant delays in housing development in Hawaii, noting that permit and approval processes can take up to ten years, which contributes to rising housing costs - for example, the median home price on Oahu increased from $637,000 in September 2012 to $1,100,000 in September 2022. By lowering the voting requirement for boundary amendments, the bill aims to expedite the development process and reduce regulatory barriers. The bill maintains the existing structure of the nine-member commission, which includes representatives from each county and requires one member to have expertise in traditional Hawaiian land usage, but makes it easier to approve land use changes by reducing the number of affirmative votes needed. The legislation will take effect upon approval and does not impact any rights, penalties, or proceedings that were already in progress before its implementation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=28&year=2026