Bill > SB949

This bill establishes a working group within the Hawaii judiciary to investigate and potentially reform or eliminate the state's land court system, which is currently one of only two such systems in the United States. The working group will consist of members from various stakeholder groups, including a judiciary representative (who will chair the group), a state senator, a state representative, the chairperson of the board of land and natural resources, a Hawaii State Bar Association member, and a representative from a local title company. The working group's primary task is to identify and analyze operational issues with the land court and bureau of conveyances, with the goal of making recommendations for specific reforms or complete elimination of the land court. The legislature finds the current land court system to be archaic and problematic, causing significant delays in property conveyances, title transfers, and administrative processes. The group is required to submit a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations, including proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2026 regular legislative session. The bill will take effect immediately upon approval.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=949&year=2026