Report Title:

Land Use; Puu of Waimea

 

Description:

Directs the office of planning to petition the land use commission to reclassify certain land in Hawaii county from the agricultural district to the conservation district.

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2073

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to land use.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the hills or puu of Waimea, including Hokuula, Puu Owaowaka, and Puu Ki, in Hawaii county are distinctive geological features that should be preserved and protected for the people of Hawaii.  The legislature further finds that the puu have cultural and historic significance, as well.  The puu are used by native Hawaiians for traditional gatherings.  Puu Hokuula, in particular, is the site of an historic and decisive battle that occurred between the forces of the kingdom of Maui and the kingdom of Hawaii, and was recommended for inclusion on the state and national registers of historic places.

     The puu encompass approximately four hundred twenty acres of state land and are identified on the state tax map as TMK: 6-5-1:20.  The parcel in question is located in the agricultural district and is being leased to Parker Ranch under a pasture lease.  Under its current land use designation, and county zoning, the parcel could be developed for low density residential use.

     The purpose of this Act is to prevent any development of the lands by directing the office of planning to petition the land use commission to reclassify the lands from the agricultural district to the conservation district.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  The department of business, economic development, and tourism, office of planning shall petition the land use commission to reclassify approximately four hundred twenty acres of land in Hawaii county, that is designated on the state tax map as TMK: 6-5-1:20, from the agricultural district to the conservation district.

     (b)  The office of planning shall submit a report, including the status of the petition, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2009 regular session.

     (c)  Pending the preparation, filing, and final disposition of the petition required by subsection (a), the county of Hawaii shall not issue any special permit or issue any land use, subdivision, building or other permit that would enable the development of TMK: 6-5-1:20 for any purpose other than the continued use of the parcel as a pasture.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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