About the LUC
OVERVIEW OF LAND USE LAW AND COMMISSION DUTIES
The State Land Use Law Chapter 205, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (“HRS”), was originally adopted by the Hawaiʻi State Legislature in 1961 to establish a comprehensive framework for managing land use statewide. Under this law, all lands in Hawaiʻi are classified into one of four districts: Urban, Rural, Conservation and Agricultural.
To oversee and administer this land classification system, the Legislature created the Land Use Commission (Komikina Hoʻohana ʻĀina). The Commission consists of nine members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate. One member is appointed from each county, and five are appointed at-large. Commissioners are unpaid volunteers and represent a broad cross-section of the community.
The Commission is responsible for reviewing and acting on petitions for district boundary amendments involving more than 15 acres or lands within the Conservation District. These petitions may be submitted by private landowners, developers, or state and county agencies. Boundary amendments involving 15 acres or less and outside the Conservation District fall under the jurisdiction of the respective county. The Commission also reviews applications for special permits within Agricultural and Rural Districts.
In addition to its responsibilities under Chapter 205, HRS, the Commission operates under its administrative rules, Chapter 15-15, Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules (“HAR”), which provide detailed procedural and substantive guidance for Commission operations and decision-making.
Overall, the Commission plays a critical role in preserving and protecting Hawaiʻi’s land resources while promoting appropriate and sustainable land uses across the state.
The Officers of the Land Use Commission for Fiscal Year 2026 (July 2025 – June 2026) are:
Chair – Brian Lee
First Vice Chair – Nancy Carr Smith
Second Vice Chair – Kū’ikeokalani Kamakea-ʻŌhelo
Click here to view the State of Hawaiʻi Land Use District Boundaries
(Geographic Information System – GIS Map)
URBAN DISTRICT (“U”)
The Urban District generally includes lands characterized by “city-like” concentrations of people, structures, and services. This district also includes sufficient reserve areas for foreseeable urban growth. Jurisdiction of this district lies with the respective counties.
See §15-15-18 HAR Standards for determining “U” urban district boundaries.
See §205-2 HRS Districting and classification of lands.
RURAL DISTRICT (“R”)
Rural Districts generally includes lands suited for low density residential lots (not more than one dwelling per one-half acre) and small farms. Jurisdiction is shared by the Commission and County governments. Variances can be obtained through the Special Use Permitting process.
See §15-15-21 HAR Standards for determining “R” rural district boundaries.
See §205-2 HRS Districting and classification of lands.
Also see §46-4(c) HRS to allow ʻOhana or additional dwelling units on any residential lot.
CONSERVATION DISTRICT (“C”)
Conservation lands are comprised primarily of lands in existing forest and water reserve zones and include areas necessary for protecting watersheds and water sources, scenic and historic areas, parks, wilderness, open space, recreational areas, habitats of endemic plants, fish and wildlife and all submerged lands seaward of the shoreline. The Conservation District also includes lands subject to flooding and soil erosion.
Conservation Districts are administered by the State Board of Land and Natural Resources (“BLNR”) and uses are governed by rules and statues administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (“DNLR”).
For questions about permitted uses or required permits, contact the DLNR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL) at (808) 643-0377.
See §15-15-20 HAR Standards for determining “C” conservation district boundaries.
See §205-2 HRS Districting and classification of lands.
AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT (“A”)
The Agricultural District includes land for the cultivation of crops, aquaculture, raising livestock, wind energy facilities, timber cultivation, agriculture-support activities (i.e. mills, employee quarters, etc.) and land with significant potential for agricultural uses.
Uses permitted in the highest productivity agricultural categories are governed by statute (HRS 205-4.5). Uses in the lower-productivity categories (C D, E or U) are established by the Commission and include those allowed on A or B lands as well as those stated in Section 205-4.5, HRS.
Click Here to view the Hawaii LSB Class Locator Map
See §15-15-19 HAR Standards for determining “A” agricultural district boundaries.
See §205-2 HRS Districting and classification of lands
See §205-4.5 HRS Permissible uses within the agricultural districts.
HAWAIʻI REVISED STATUES (“HRS”)
Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (“HRS”) Chapter 205 establishes the framework for statewide land use management through the Land Use Commission (“LUC”). It classifies all lands in the state into four major districts (urban, rural, agricultural, and conservation) and outlines the process for designating, regulating, and amending these classifications.
The chapter defines the roles and responsibilities of the LUC and county agencies in land use decisions, including procedures for boundary amendments, and special permits. It includes criteria the LUC must consider in decision-making, such as environmental concerns, alignment with state planning policies, and protection of Native Hawaiian rights. Chapter 205 also establishes policies for the identification and preservation of Important Agricultural Lands (“IAL”), offering incentives to landowners who voluntarily designate their land as IAL to ensure long-term agricultural productivity.
HAWAIʻI ADMINISTRATIVE RULES (“HAR”)
Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules (“HAR”) Chapter 15-15, governs the practices and procedures before the Commission and these rules are meant to secure the just and efficient determination of every proceeding. The rules are to be liberally construed to preserve, protect, and encourage the development and preservation of lands in the State for those uses to which they are best suited in the interest of public health and welfare of the people of the State of Hawaiʻi.
Periodically, the Commission on its motion may initiate proceedings for the adoption, amendment, or repeal of any rules of the Commission. Generally, such occasions may arise when new statutory provisions are enacted by the Legislature affecting Chapter 205, HRS requiring new rules or changes to existing rules to implement. In addition, any interested person may petition the Commission for changes to the rules. When considering changes to the rules, the Commission holds public hearings on each island to receive comments. There are rules governing the Commission response to petitions for rulemaking and for notice requirements for public hearings; however, there are for deadlines on the Commission’s adoption of any proposed rule changes after public hearings have been conducted. See §15-15-105, HAR.
EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS
As a reminder that direct communication with individual Land Use Commissioners regarding any pending or future docket matters is strictly prohibited under HAR §15-15-62 Ex Parte Communications.
It may be tempting for applicants, landowners, or other interested parties to reach out to the Commission by directly contacting one of the nine Commissioners. This contact can be in person, telephone, email or any other form of communication. However, such contact, even if intended to merely seek information, can be perceived as an attempt to influence the decision-making process and may raise concerns about fairness and impartiality.
Commissioners may only act collectively during duly noticed public meetings. No individual Commissioner has the authority to make decisions or provide guidance outside of these formal proceedings. Any unauthorized communication may require the Commissioner to disclose the contact and, in some cases, recuse themselves from participation in the matter. This could adversely impact on the outcome of proceedings, especially in instances where the recused vote may be necessary to reach a decision.
To ensure procedural integrity and avoid any appearance of impropriety or conflict of interest, all inquiries should be directed to Land Use Commission staff at (808) 587-3822 or via email at [email protected].