Bill > HB502

This bill provides a temporary mechanism for Hawaii counties to petition the Land Use Commission (LUC) to redistribute certain agricultural lands to rural districts between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2029. Counties can submit a petition for redistricting if the land meets specific criteria, including: not being designated as important agricultural lands, being developed with single-family residences, having lots no larger than one acre, being part of an agricultural subdivision of at least ten contiguous lots, and having a single-family residence on each lot or being intended for residential construction. The petition must also demonstrate that the redistricting would not negatively impact agricultural use, align with county plans, provide notice to landowners, and receive a recommendation from the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development. The Land Use Commission must process these petitions within 365 days and can deny petitions with insufficient evidence or significant public trust issues. The bill aims to address historical land subdivisions created before Hawaii's 1961 land use law that may not be suitable for agricultural purposes, giving counties more flexibility in land use classification while maintaining certain protective constraints.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=502&year=2026