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Bill

HB 1734

RELATING TO ZONING.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 12 co-sponsors

Hawaii HB 1734 modifies zoning regulations to address housing or land-use policy; passed Housing committee with amendments and moves to Water and Judiciary committees for further review.

The committee on HSG recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Evslin, Miyake, Cochran, Grandinetti, Kila, La Chica, Muraoka, Pierick; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Kitagawa.
#counties #exemptions #lotrequirementsanddwellingspecifications #petitionprocess #prohibition #urbandistrict
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Bill Summary · HB 1734

Legislative bill overview

HB 1734 is a zoning-related bill introduced in the Hawaii House of Representatives that modifies zoning regulations, though the specific provisions aren't detailed in the available action history. The measure recently passed the Housing committee with amendments on February 4, 2026, with broad support and is scheduled for further committee review in Water, Agriculture & Land (WAL) and Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs (JHA).

Why is this important

Zoning laws directly affect housing development, land use, property values, and community character in Hawaii—a state facing a severe housing shortage and affordability crisis. Changes to zoning can either facilitate residential development and workforce housing or restrict growth depending on the bill's specific provisions, making this potentially significant for Hawaii's housing policy landscape.

Potential points of contention

  • Housing supply vs. neighborhood preservation: Zoning changes that increase development potential may conflict with community desires to maintain neighborhood character and limit density
  • Affordable housing mandate uncertainty: Without knowing specific provisions, unclear whether amendments sufficiently address affordable housing requirements versus market-rate development incentives
  • Agricultural land conversion: Potential tension between zoning flexibility and protection of Hawaii's limited agricultural land resources, particularly given WAL committee referral

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

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