Bill > HB445

This bill addresses land acquisition and economic development in Honolulu by authorizing the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to use eminent domain to acquire specific land parcels. Recognizing that Honolulu has experienced significant population growth (6.6% between 2010 and 2020) and faces infrastructure challenges, particularly a lack of outdoor community spaces, the bill appropriates state funds to purchase 19 specific tax map key parcels (identified by unique numerical codes) for economic development and community needs. The legislation empowers DBEDT to exercise its eminent domain authority under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 101 to acquire these properties, which are all located in the same tax map key area (1-2-6-024). While the exact appropriation amount is not specified in the bill text, funds will be drawn from general state revenues for the fiscal year 2025-2026. The bill is designed to help address the growing population's needs by creating new spaces for economic and community purposes, and it is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=445&year=2026