SB 1309 Summary

• Authorizes the governor to negotiate land exchanges under chapter 171, HRS, to acquire private agricultural lands in exchange for state lands suitable for housing development.

• Permits the governor to reclassify and rezone state lands for exchange within a half-mile radius of any rail station approved by the Federal Transportation Administration in Honolulu for private affordable housing and mixed-use development.

• Exempts private housing development on exchanged lands from state and county procurement requirements, impact fees, and other exactions, though projects remain subject to health, safety, and building code requirements.

• Requires the governor to submit a report to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2018 regular session detailing feasibility of proposed exchanges, suitable parcels, market values, and any necessary appropriations or legislation.

• Allows the legislature to convene in special session to act on proposed land exchanges if not already in session upon receiving the governor's report.