HI HB778

Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to conduct an integrated land use study for agricultural districts classified under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 205-2, with interim report due 20 days before the 2026 legislative session and final report due 20 days before the 2027 legislative session.

Study must develop land use data for planning decisions on competing uses within agricultural districts and determine feasibility and needs to meet the State's climate, sustainability, and housing statutory targets, including 22,500 affordable rental housing units and doubling food production.

Integrated study shall incorporate recommendations from the Hawaii 2050 sustainability plan, state land use review of districts, Hawaii sea level rise vulnerability and adaptation report, and the Hawaii state plan update phase one and soil classification study.

Office must compile and analyze existing data from multiple state agencies and seek input from the agricultural community, university of Hawaii, utility companies, nonprofit organizations, and counties to develop data-based estimates on land requirements and protect productive agricultural lands.

Appropriates $400,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 and $400,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 for one full-time planner position and related expenses; Act takes effect July 1, 2025.