Land Use Commission

The Hawaii Land Use Commission is a state body that regulates the boundaries of Hawaii's four land use districts: Urban, Rural, Agricultural, and Conservation. It hears petitions from landowners and counties to reclassify land — for example, moving agricultural land into the urban district to allow housing development. Commission decisions shape where development can occur statewide.

Land use classification determines what can and cannot be built on every parcel in Hawaii. Commission hearings on boundary amendments are among the most consequential land use decisions in the state. Residents, farmers, and environmental groups can testify for or against reclassification petitions that would affect their communities.