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Bill

HB 1012

RELATING TO THE LAND STUDY BUREAU SOIL RATING SYSTEM.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nadine Nakamura

HB 1012 modifies Hawaii's soil rating system affecting agricultural land classification, taxation, and land-use planning decisions statewide.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
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Bill Summary · HB 1012

Legislative bill overview

HB 1012 modifies Hawaii's Land Study Bureau (LSB) soil rating system, though the specific amendments are not detailed in the provided action history. The bill was introduced in the 2025 regular session and carried over to 2026 for further consideration. It is currently pending committee review in the Ways and Means (WAL) and Finance (FIN) committees.

Why is this important

Hawaii's soil rating system directly affects agricultural land classification, property taxation, land use planning, and agricultural viability assessments across the state. Changes to this system could influence which lands are designated for farming, conservation, or development, impacting both agricultural communities and state revenue. The bill's fate in the finance committee suggests it may have budgetary implications.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural vs. Development interests: Changes to soil ratings could shift land value assessments, benefiting either farmers seeking better classifications or developers seeking reclassification for non-agricultural use
  • Property tax implications: Modifications to soil ratings typically affect property valuations and resulting tax assessments, creating winners and losers among landowners
  • Data accuracy and methodology: Disputes may arise over whether current LSB ratings accurately reflect soil quality and agricultural potential in Hawaii's varied terrain

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

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