State of Hawaiʻi Land Use District Boundary Interpretations
An introduction to the boundary interpretation process
History of Land Use District Boundaries in the State of Hawaiʻi
Kailua- Kona Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi was the first state to pass a comprehensive land use law on July 11, 1961 (SCR 39, SLH 1961)
The State Land Use Law ( Chapter 205, Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes ) establishes an overall framework of land use management whereby all lands in the State of Hawaiʻi are classified into one of four land use districts:
- URBAN (U)
- RURAL (R)
- AGRICULTURAL (A)
- CONSERVATION (C)
If you own land in Hawaiʻi it will be classified as being in one or more of the four districts.
Use this interactive map to zoom in to try and find the property of interest and get an initial look at its classification.
Official State Land Use Boundary Maps use United States Geological Survey ("USGS") topographic maps as the base (specifically the 7.5 minute series), at the time of mapping the USGS Quadrangle maps were the most accurate descriptive representations of the State. The scale of these maps is 1:24,000, or one inch on the map is equivalent to 2,000 feet on the ground.
Oʻahu
What is a Boundary Interpretation?
A boundary interpretation is the process for determining the location of State land use district boundaries with respect to property boundaries, physical features, and sometimes a certified shoreline.
County tax map key ("TMK") parcel boundaries are identified by precise geometric location information called metes and bounds.
The difference in scale and precision between the official State land use district boundary maps and County TMKs is fundamental in determining the location of lines for jurisdictional and regulatory purposes.
Map Showing Urban/ Conservation Boundary in Kailua, Ko‘olaupoko, Oʻahu
Why you may need a Boundary Interpretation
Boundary interpretations are required by County and State permitting agencies in order to determine which level of government and agency has legal authority for granting permits. These agencies include but are not limited to: The State Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands ( "OCCL" ), The State Commission on Water Resource Management ( "CWRM "), and County Planning Departments.
Most often a landowner or their representative is applying for a regulatory permit and an agency reviewing the application may raise questions about the State land use district(s) involved and who has the legal authority to grant permits. This agency may refer you to the State Land Use Commission for a boundary interpretation before you can proceed further.
The following is a description of the boundary interpretation process and information required:
