HI HB1016

Requires the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to conduct an integrated land use study for agricultural districts to address competing uses including affordable housing, renewable energy, and food production on agricultural lands

Study must incorporate recommendations from the Hawaii 2050 sustainability plan, sea level rise vulnerability reports, state land use district reviews, and soil classification studies to guide planning and decision-making

Office must develop data-based estimates on land needs by compiling information from multiple state agencies, counties, University of Hawaii, utility companies, and agricultural organizations, with recommendations for each county

Interim report due 20 days before the 2026 legislative session; final report due to legislature and land use commission 20 days before the 2027 session

Appropriates $350,000 for FY 2025-2026 and $150,000 for FY 2026-2027 to establish one full-time planner position exempt from civil service requirements, plus associated expenses; effective July 1, 2025