HI SB379

Governor is authorized to negotiate land exchanges under chapter 171, Hawaii Revised Statutes, exchanging state lands for private agricultural lands suitable for diversified agriculture production.

State lands transferred to private parties must be within one-half mile radius of rail transit stations in counties with population over 500,000 and shall be developed for affordable housing, workforce housing, and mixed-use commercial development.

Governor may reclassify and rezone exchanged lands to urban district designation with appropriate county residential or mixed-use zoning, with land use commission and county planning director approval required within 30 days of notification.

Private housing development on transferred lands is exempt from state and county procurement requirements, impact fees, and other exactions, and subject only to private land development standards under chapters 6E and 343, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Governor must submit report to legislature no later than 20 days before the 2020 regular session on feasibility of negotiated exchanges, suitable parcels, market values, and any needed appropriations or legislation.