HI HB1503

Streamlines the land use commission's process for boundary amendments initiated by counties or the state office of planning by changing from a contested case hearing to a quasi-legislative proceeding with public testimony and commission decision-making.

Limits counties and the office of planning to one boundary amendment application per island every five years, with all proposed amendments required to be consistent with adopted general plans, community development plans, or other comprehensive plans.

Changes approval process from individual contested case hearings to a hearing conducted under Chapter 92 without the formality of Chapter 91 contested case procedures, eliminating opportunities for third-party intervention and judicial appeal.

Requires the land use commission to approve or deny applications within 180 days, with six affirmative votes needed for approval based on clear preponderance of evidence that amendments are reasonable and conform to established policies.

Exempts state and county boundary amendments under this new process from environmental review requirements under Chapter 343, except for amendments reclassifying land from conservation districts.