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HB1360
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO.
1360
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to land registration
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION
1.
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The legislature finds that Hawaii's
dual land registry systems, the land court system and regular system, create
inefficiencies, confusion, and administrative burdens.
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The legislature further finds that land
ownership and development are critical to Hawaii's economy, environment, and
culture, so it is imperative to modernize the systems to enhance accessibility,
transparency, accuracy, and efficiency.
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The
purpose of this Act is to
direct
the department of land and natural resources to:
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(1)
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Conduct a comprehensive review of the existing
land registration systems and transition to a single, unified registry system,
implementing blockchain technology to enhance the integrity and security of the
system;
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(2)
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Oversee the digitization of all land records
into a centralized, searchable online database; and
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(3)
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Ensure equitable access to land records,
establish a fee structure for accessing records, and conduct public outreach on
how to use the new system and access records.
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SECTION
2.
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Definitions.
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As used in this Act:
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"Blockchain
technology" means a decentralized digital ledger technology that securely
records and verifies transactions.
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"Digitization"
means the conversion of physical land records into electronic formats for
storage and access.
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"Land
registry system" means the system used for recording, maintaining, and
accessing land ownership, transactions, and other property-related information.
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SECTION
3.
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Consolidation of land registry
systems.
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(a)
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The land court system and regular system
shall be consolidated into a single, unified land registry system to streamline
operations and enhance user experience.
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(b)
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The department of land and natural resources,
in coordination with the bureau of conveyances, shall:
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(1)
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Conduct a comprehensive review of both systems
to identify redundancies and inefficiencies;
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(2)
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Establish unified standards and procedures for
recording, maintaining, and accessing land records; and
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(3)
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Transition all existing land records into the
unified system no later than June 30, 2030.
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(c)
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The unified land registry system shall retain
features of both systems, including title certification and public recording,
to preserve existing legal protections.
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SECTION
4.
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Digitization of land records.
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(a)
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The department of land and natural resources shall oversee the
digitization of all land records, including historical and current documents,
into a centralized, searchable online database.
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(b)
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The database shall:
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(1)
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Be accessible to the public, subject to
privacy and security measures;
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(2)
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Provide user-friendly search functions,
including searches by parcel number, owner name, and transaction history; and
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(3)
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Include a secure portal for submitting and
accessing records electronically.
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(c)
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The department of land and natural resources
shall prioritize the digitization of high-risk or frequently accessed records
to minimize disruptions during the transition period.
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SECTION
5.
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Implementation of blockchain
technology.
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(a)
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The department of land and natural resources
shall explore and implement blockchain technology to enhance the integrity and
security of the land registry system.
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(b)
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The blockchain-based system shall:
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(1)
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Record all land transactions and changes to
ownership in a tamper-proof and transparent manner;
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(2)
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Provide a unique digital identifier for each
parcel of land; and
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(3)
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Allow for real-time verification of ownership
and transaction history.
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(c)
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The department of land and natural resources
may partner with technology providers to develop and deploy the blockchain
system in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
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SECTION
6.
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Public access and transparency.
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(a)
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The unified land registry system shall ensure equitable access to land
records for all residents, businesses, and government entities.
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(b)
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The department of land and natural resources
shall establish a fee structure for accessing records that is affordable and
consistent with public interest.
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(c)
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The department of land and natural resources
shall conduct public outreach to educate residents on how to use the new system
and access land records.
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SECTION
7.
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(a)
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The department of land and natural resources shall submit an interim
report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation,
to the legislature no later than July 1, 2026, that includes the following:
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(1)
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Status of its consolidation and digitization
efforts;
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(2)
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Implementation of blockchain technology;
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(3)
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Public feedback and challenges encountered;
and
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(4)
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Financial expenditures and remaining budget.
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(b)
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The department of land and natural resources
shall submit a final report of its findings and recommendations, including any
proposed legislation, upon the completion of the transition to the unified
system
.
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SECTION 8.
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There is appropriated out of the general
revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $15,000,000 or so much thereof as
may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 for digitizing land records,
developing the unified land registry system, deploying blockchain technology,
and conducting public outreach and education campaigns.
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The sums
appropriated shall be expended by the department
of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.
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SECTION 9.
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If any provision of this Act, or the
application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the
invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the Act that can
be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end
the provisions of this Act are severable.
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SECTION 10.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
DLNR;
Land Court; Bureau of Conveyances; Unified Land Registry System; Land Records
Digitization; Land Records Online Database; Appropriation
Description:
Directs the Department of Land and Natural Resources to
conduct a comprehensive review of the existing land registration systems and
transition to a single, unified registry system; oversee the digitization of
all land records into an online database; and ensure equitable access,
establish a fee structure, and conduct public outreach on how to use the new
system and access records.
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Appropriates funds.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.