Bill > SB1079

This bill provides a temporary mechanism for Hawaii counties to petition the Land Use Commission (LUC) to reclassify certain agricultural lands to rural districts between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2029. To qualify for redistricting, the lands must meet specific criteria: they must be developed with single-family residences, have lots no larger than one acre, be part of an agricultural subdivision of at least ten contiguous lots, and have either existing homes or be intended for residential construction. Counties must follow a detailed process that includes obtaining county council resolution, providing written notice to landowners, meeting environmental review requirements, ensuring the reclassification won't negatively impact agricultural potential, and receiving support from the county plan and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development. The Land Use Commission will have 365 days to process each petition and can deny a petition if insufficient evidence is provided or significant public trust issues are identified. The bill acknowledges that many small lots in agricultural districts were created speculatively before Hawaii's 1961 land use law and aims to help counties manage these non-conforming land uses more effectively. The provisions will automatically expire on June 30, 2029, making this a time-limited experimental approach to land use reclassification.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1079&year=2026