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Bill

SB 1331

RELATING TO THE LAND STUDY BUREAU SOIL RATING SYSTEM.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Kouchi

Hawaii bill modifies agricultural soil rating system affecting land-use zoning, property assessments, and farmland preservation policies statewide.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · SB 1331

Legislative bill overview

SB 1331 modifies Hawaii's Land Study Bureau soil rating system, which is used to classify agricultural land quality and inform land-use planning and property assessments. The bill passed its second reading with amendments in February 2025 but was carried over to the 2026 Regular Session, meaning it did not advance further in the current legislative cycle.

Why is this important

Hawaii's soil rating system directly affects agricultural zoning decisions, property tax assessments, and land development policies across the state. Changes to this system can influence which lands are protected for farming, how agricultural properties are valued, and ultimately shape the state's ability to maintain food security and preserve agricultural lands amid development pressures.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural preservation vs. development: Amendments to soil ratings could either strengthen protections for productive farmland or open previously restricted areas to development, creating tension between agricultural interests and developers
  • Property tax implications: Reclassifying soil ratings may increase or decrease property tax assessments, affecting both farmers and landowners differently depending on how ratings change
  • Lack of public transparency: The bill was carried over without final passage, suggesting potential unresolved concerns about methodology changes, stakeholder impacts, or implementation details that warrant further legislative scrutiny

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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