SB644 would eliminate Hawaii’s Land Court system and move all property registration activity into the regular bureau of conveyances system. The bill finds that the Land Court creates delay, added expense, and procedural complexity, while the regular system is simpler and more widely used. It would stop new Land Court title registrations beginning on a specified date, require existing Land Court property owners to deregister their interests by a later deadline, and direct the Land Court to notify affected owners of that requirement.
The bill also repeals the statutory subpart governing Land Court personnel and transfers the Land Court’s rights, powers, duties, records, equipment, and other property to the bureau of conveyances and the Department of Land and Natural Resources. It includes an appropriation to fund notice to registered owners and provides transition protections for employees whose functions are moved, including retention of civil service status or exempt status, salary, seniority, leave, and other employment benefits as applicable. The measure is intended to simplify Hawaii’s land registration process by fully transitioning recorded documents to the regular system.
Impact
SB644 would significantly amend chapter 501, Hawaii Revised Statutes, by repealing the Land Court framework and shifting its functions to the bureau of conveyances. It would affect property owners with interests registered in Land Court, who would be required to deregister those interests under the regular system, and it would change the administrative structure for recording land title documents in Hawaii. The bill also creates a fiscal impact through an unspecified general-fund appropriation for owner notification and requires transfer of personnel and assets associated with Land Court operations.
Sentiment
The bill’s stated purpose and findings reflect a generally favorable view of consolidation and simplification of land records administration. The text emphasizes public preference for the regular system, the lack of new Land Court registrations since 1989, and the Land Court’s role in creating barriers to access. No committee transcripts or votes were provided, so there is no recorded opposition or support beyond the bill’s own framing.
Contention
The main point of contention inherent in the bill is the complete repeal of the Land Court, which would be a major structural change for Hawaii property law and title administration. Potential concerns include the burden on current Land Court owners to deregister, the administrative complexity of transferring records and functions, and the treatment of affected employees. The bill’s supporters appear to be those favoring a simpler, lower-cost recording system, while any opposition would likely come from parties concerned about disruption to existing Land Court titles, legal certainty, or transition costs.