Bill > SB644

This bill aims to simplify Hawaii's land registration process by completely eliminating the Land Court system, which has not been used for new property registrations since 1989. The bill requires all current property owners registered in the Land Court to deregister their properties and transfer their documents to the regular system, which is a "race-notice" land registration system that does not make independent determinations about property ownership. Starting January 1 (year not specified), no new property registrations will be accepted by the Land Court, and by December 31 (year not specified), all registered owners must initiate the deregistration process. The Land Court is mandated to inform all registered property owners about this requirement. All rights, powers, functions, and duties of the Land Court will be transferred to the Bureau of Conveyances, and employees will retain their civil service status and benefits. The bill is designed to reduce barriers to property registration, such as delays and increased expenses associated with the Land Court's complicated procedures. Funding will be appropriated from general state revenues to support the transition process, with the entire act taking effect on July 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=644&year=2025