Bill > HB1015

This bill addresses a discrepancy in land use classification by allowing counties to petition for changes to state land use district boundaries more easily. Currently, only 1.6% of state lands within county-designated urban growth areas are classified as state urban districts, which creates challenges for development. The bill modifies existing law to enable county planning agencies to petition for land use district boundary amendments, even for areas larger than 15 acres, if the changes conform to the county's general or development plans. Specifically, the bill allows counties to reclassify land use districts through a more streamlined process, which can help support housing production and align state land use designations with local planning efforts. The county land use decision-making authority would have the power to approve such amendments, with the requirement to notify the state land use commission and the department of business, economic development, and tourism of any changes. This process aims to create more efficient and locally responsive land use planning by giving counties greater flexibility in determining appropriate land use designations while maintaining oversight from state agencies.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1015&year=2026