Report Title:

State Land Use Plan; Economic Development

Description:

Requires office of planning, in conjunction with county planning departments, to develop a state land use plan that takes economic development into account and to submit the plan in a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2009.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2891
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to planning.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the phasing out of the sugar and pineapple industries in Hawaii has caused economic dislocation and social instability in communities affected by those changes.  Uncontrolled economic redevelopment in these communities has resulted in major infrastructural deficiencies and dissatisfaction in those communities.  The legislature further finds that economic redevelopment in these communities needs to be focused and tailored to serve the needs of those communities.  Concentrating economic redevelopment in defined areas within communities will not only locate new job creation closer to existing housing, but will contribute to more efficient infrastructure planning and construction that will help relief traffic congestion and reduce costs.

     The legislature further finds that economic development in the State in general endangers historic preservation and the loss of open spaces.  The purpose of this Act is to develop a state land use plan that takes economic development into account.

     SECTION 2.  The office of planning, in conjunction with county planning departments, shall develop a state land use plan that takes economic development into account, incorporating the following:

     (1)  A determination of areas of the State where economic growth is appropriate, based upon job creation and demand;

     (2)  Plans to establish a variety of economic development zones including:

         (A)  Major economic development zones appropriate for major growth and job creation in concert with state long-term growth policies; and

         (B)  Alternative economic development zones appropriate for rural areas;

     (3)  Incentives for development in major economic development zones, such as expediting permit issuance and inspections balanced by a requirement to have projects bonded;

     (4)  Plans to create complete communities in alternative economic development zones to include affordable housing, retail, and necessary medical services; and

     (5)  Plans to establish historic preservation zones and open spaces, including plans to compensate private landowners.

     SECTION 3.  The office of planning shall submit to the legislature a written report that shall include a state land use plan that takes economic development into account pursuant to section 2 and any necessary proposed legislation no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2009.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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