HB 2544: DLNR; Bureau of Conveyances; Land Court; Transaction Fees
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-03-25
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-03-30: Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill makes permanent a $5 transaction fee the Department of Land and Natural Resources charges for each document recorded in the Bureau of Conveyances and the Land Court, affecting individuals and businesses that file property records. The fee revenue will fund the Bureau of Conveyances special fund for hardware, software, digitization, staff training, limited contractors, and other office improvements, and the bill removes the requirement that microfilm fees be set by department rules.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Makes permanent, rather than repealing upon the adoption of relevant administrative rules, the Department of Land and Natural Resources' authority to establish a transaction fee for certain services rendered by the Bureau of Conveyances for each recording in the Bureau of Conveyances and Land Court. Amends the authorized uses of moneys in the Bureau of Conveyances Special Fund. Repeals language that required the Bureau of Conveyances' microfilm fees to be established by rules. Effective 7/1/3026. (SD1)
Makes permanent, rather than repealing upon the adoption of relevant administrative rules, the Department of Land and Natural Resources' authority to establish a transaction fee for certain services rendered by the Bureau of Conveyances for each recording in the Bureau of Conveyances and Land Court. Amends the authorized uses of moneys in the Bureau of Conveyances Special Fund. Repeals language that required the Bureau of Conveyances' microfilm fees to be established by rules. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Makes permanent, rather than repealing upon the adoption of relevant administrative rules, the Department of Land and Natural Resources' authority to establish a transaction fee for certain services rendered by the Bureau of Conveyances for each recording in the Bureau of Conveyances and Land Court. Amends the authorized uses of moneys in the Bureau of Conveyances Special Fund. Repeals language that required the Bureau of Conveyances' microfilm fees to be established by rules. Effective 1/1/2027.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2544 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE FEES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that a sound policy of cost recovery and user fees for public services for records management and conveyance in the State is crucial to ensure efficient and reliable services to the public. With the unique and specialized work performed by the bureau of conveyances, and given its continuing workforce shortages, increasing automation and operational advancements are needed to support the staff and continue delivering quality service to the State.
The legislature further finds that the establishment of user fees for document recordation services of the bureau of conveyances ensures the integrity of records of the regular system and land court system and sustains services provided by the bureau of conveyances and office of the assistant registrar of the land court for records management and delivery, while avoiding the need to establish additional revenue sources to fund these vital services.
The legislature also finds that there is a fee discrepancy between the regular system and land court system, even though the work required to handle recordation services is identical.
The purpose of this Act is to support efficient, equitable, and reliable services for conveyance transactions and records in the State by, beginning on January 1, 2027:
(1) Making permanent, rather than repealing upon the adoption of relevant administrative rules, the department of land and natural resources' authority to establish a transaction fee for certain services rendered by the bureau of conveyances for each recording in the bureau of conveyances and land court;
(2) Amending the authorized uses of moneys in the bureau of conveyances special fund; and
(3) Repealing provisions that required fees for the use of microfilms of documents recorded in the bureau of conveyances to be established by the department of land and natural resources by rules.
SECTION 2. Chapter 501, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§501- Transaction fee; recordings in the office of the assistant registrar of the land court; services rendered by the bureau of conveyances. (a) The department of land and natural resources shall assess a transaction fee of $5 for each recording in the office of the assistant registrar of the land court for services rendered by the bureau of conveyances under this chapter.
(b) The transaction fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the bureau of conveyances special fund established under section 502-8 and shall be used to support purchases of hardware, software, design and implementation services, staff training, and other related support services for the improvement of daily operations and automation and for the increased efficiency and productivity of the bureau of conveyances."
SECTION 3. Chapter 502, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§502- Transaction fee; recordings in the bureau of conveyances. (a) The department of land and natural resources shall assess a transaction fee of $5 for each recording in the bureau of conveyances for services rendered under this chapter.
(b) The transaction fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the bureau of conveyances special fund established under section 502-8 and shall be used to support purchases of hardware, software, design and implementation services, staff training, and other related support services for the improvement of daily operations and automation and for the increased efficiency and productivity of the bureau of conveyances."
SECTION 4. Section 502-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§502-8 Bureau of conveyances
special fund. (a) There is established in the state treasury
the bureau of conveyances special fund, into which shall be deposited the
revenues remitted pursuant to sections 501-23.5 and 502-25[,];
transaction fees established pursuant to sections 501- and
502- ; interest earnings[,]; grants[,];
donations[,]; and appropriations from the legislature that shall
be held separate and apart from all other moneys, funds, and accounts in the
state treasury.
(b) Moneys in the bureau of conveyances special fund shall be used by the bureau of conveyances for the following purposes:
(1) Planning, design,
construction, and acquisition of equipment, furnishings, and software necessary
for the [development] enhancement and periodic replacement of the
recording system described in this chapter and chapter 501;
(2) Operating,
maintaining, and improving the recording system described in this chapter and
chapter 501 or any other purpose deemed necessary by the bureau of conveyances
for the purpose of planning, improving, developing, operating, maintaining
the continuity of business operations, and maintaining of the
recording [system] office operations described in this chapter
and chapter 501;
(3) The secure and accessible digital preservation of all recorded documents and maps as well as the professional restoration of a select series of bound book records of historic and cultural value;
[(3)] (4)
Permanent and temporary staff positions as well as the limited
use of qualified contractors for the purposes of this chapter and chapter
501; provided that the use of moneys for the limited use of qualified
contractors shall be for services provided under a contract entered into no
later than December 31, 2028; and
[(4)] (5)
Administrative costs for the purposes of this chapter and chapter
501[.];
provided that moneys collected from transaction fees pursuant to sections 501- and 502- for deposit into the special fund shall be used to support purchases of hardware, software, design and implementation services, staff training, and other related support services for the improvement of daily operations and automation of the bureau of conveyances.
(c) All moneys in excess of $500,000 remaining on balance in the bureau of conveyances special fund on June 30 of each year shall lapse to the credit of the state general fund; provided that any balance of funds collected pursuant to section 16 of Act 120, Session Laws of Hawaii 2009, as amended, until that section is repealed on December 31, 2026, and pursuant to sections 501- and 502- shall not lapse to the credit of the state general fund. On July 1 of each year, the director of finance is authorized to transfer any excess funds in the bureau of conveyances special fund to the state general fund."
SECTION 5. Section 502-27, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§502-27 Charges. [(a)
Except when otherwise provided, fees for the use of microfilms of
documents recorded in the bureau of conveyances for the purpose of making
duplicates shall be established by rules adopted by the department of land and
natural resources pursuant to chapter 91.
(b)] Frame charges for duplicating microfilm shall
not be assessed against any agency of the State or counties [thereof]."
SECTION 6. Act 120, Session Laws of Hawaii 2009, as amended by section 11 of Act 119, Session Laws of Hawaii 2013, is amended as follows:
1. By amending section 16 to read:
"SECTION 16. [As of July 1, 2009, the department of
land and natural resources shall assess a transaction fee of $5 to be charged
for each recording in the bureau of conveyances and in the office of the
assistant registrar of the land court for services rendered by the bureau of
conveyances pursuant to part II of chapter 501 and chapter 502, Hawaii Revised
Statutes. The transaction fees collected
shall be deposited to the credit of the bureau of conveyances special fund
established under section 502-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and shall be used to
support purchases of hardware, system design, and staff training related to
automation of the bureau of conveyances.] Repealed."
2. By amending section 21 to read:
"SECTION 21. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2009;
provided that section 2 of this Act shall take effect on July 1, 2011; provided
further that section 16 of this Act shall take effect on July 1, 2009, and shall
be repealed on [the effective date of administrative rules adopted by the
department of land and natural resources that address the establishment of
transaction fees for each recording in the bureau of conveyances and in the
office of the assistant registrar of the land court;] December 31, 2026;
provided further that section 17 of this Act shall take effect on January 1,
2012; and provided further that section 18 of this Act shall take effect upon
its approval and shall be repealed on January 31, 2010."
SECTION
7. Statutory material to be repealed is
bracketed and stricken. New statutory
material is underscored.
SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3026, except that section 6 shall take effect on December 31, 2026.
Report Title:
DLNR; Bureau of Conveyances; Land Court; Transaction Fees
Description:
Makes permanent, rather than repealing upon the adoption of relevant administrative rules, the Department of Land and Natural Resources' authority to establish a transaction fee for certain services rendered by the Bureau of Conveyances for each recording in the Bureau of Conveyances and Land Court. Amends the authorized uses of moneys in the Bureau of Conveyances Special Fund. Repeals language that required the Bureau of Conveyances' microfilm fees to be established by rules. Effective 7/1/3026. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2544 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE FEES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that a sound policy of cost recovery and user fees for public services for records management and conveyance in the State is crucial to ensure efficient and reliable services to the public. With the unique and specialized work performed by the bureau of conveyances, and given its continuing workforce shortages, increasing automation and operational advancements are needed to support the staff and continue delivering quality service to the State.
The legislature further finds that the establishment of user fees for document recordation services of the bureau of conveyances ensures the integrity of records of the regular system and land court system and sustains services provided by the bureau of conveyances and office of the assistant registrar of the land court for records management and delivery, while avoiding the need to establish additional revenue sources to fund these vital services.
The legislature also finds that there is a fee discrepancy between the regular system and land court system, even though the work required to handle recordation services is identical.
The purpose of this Act is to support efficient, equitable, and reliable services for conveyance transactions and records in the State by, beginning on January 1, 2027:
(1) Making permanent, rather than repealing upon the adoption of relevant administrative rules, the department of land and natural resources' authority to establish a transaction fee for certain services rendered by the bureau of conveyances for each recording in the bureau of conveyances and land court;
(2) Amending the authorized uses of moneys in the bureau of conveyances special fund; and
(3) Repealing provisions that required fees for the use of microfilms of documents recorded in the bureau of conveyances to be established by the department of land and natural resources by rules.
SECTION 2. Chapter 501, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§501- Transaction fee; recordings in the office of the assistant registrar of the land court; services rendered by the bureau of conveyances. (a) The department of land and natural resources shall assess a transaction fee of $5 for each recording in the office of the assistant registrar of the land court for services rendered by the bureau of conveyances under this chapter.
(b) The transaction fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the bureau of conveyances special fund established under section 502-8 and shall be used to support purchases of hardware, software, design and implementation services, staff training, and other related support services for the improvement of daily operations and automation and the increased efficiency and productivity of the bureau of conveyances."
SECTION 3. Chapter 502, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§502- Transaction fee; recordings in the bureau of conveyances. (a) The department of land and natural resources shall assess a transaction fee of $5 for each recording in the bureau of conveyances for services rendered under this chapter.
(b) The transaction fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the bureau of conveyances special fund established under section 502-8 and shall be used to support purchases of hardware, software, design and implementation services, staff training, and other related support services for the improvement of daily operations and automation and the increased efficiency and productivity of the bureau of conveyances."
SECTION 4. Section 502-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§502-8 Bureau of conveyances
special fund. (a) There is established in the state treasury
the bureau of conveyances special fund, into which shall be deposited the
revenues remitted pursuant to sections 501-23.5 and 502-25[,];
transaction fees established pursuant to sections 501- and
502- ; interest earnings[,]; grants[,];
donations[,]; and appropriations from the legislature that shall
be held separate and apart from all other moneys, funds, and accounts in the
state treasury.
(b) Moneys in the bureau of conveyances special fund shall be used by the bureau of conveyances for the following purposes:
(1) Planning, design,
construction, and acquisition of equipment, furnishings, and software necessary
for the [development] enhancement and periodic replacement of the
recording system described in this chapter and chapter 501;
(2) Operating,
maintaining, and improving the recording system described in this chapter and
chapter 501 or any other purpose deemed necessary by the bureau of conveyances
for the purpose of planning, improving, developing, operating, maintaining
the continuity of business operations, and maintaining of the
recording [system] office operations described in this chapter
and chapter 501;
(3) The secure and accessible digital preservation of all recorded documents and maps as well as the professional restoration of a select series of bound book records of historic and cultural value;
[(3)] (4)
Permanent and temporary staff positions as well as the limited
use of qualified contractors for the purposes of this chapter and chapter
501; and
[(4)] (5)
Administrative costs for the purposes of this chapter and chapter
501[.];
provided that moneys collected from transaction fees pursuant to sections 501- and 502- for deposit into the special fund shall be used to support purchases of hardware, software, design and implementation services, staff training, and other related support services for the improvement of daily operations and automation of the bureau of conveyances.
(c) All moneys in excess of $500,000 remaining on balance in the bureau of conveyances special fund on June 30 of each year shall lapse to the credit of the state general fund; provided that any balance of funds collected pursuant to section 16 of Act 120, Session Laws of Hawaii 2009, as amended, until that section is repealed on December 31, 2026, and pursuant to sections 501- and 502- shall not lapse to the credit of the state general fund. On July 1 of each year, the director of finance is authorized to transfer any excess funds in the bureau of conveyances special fund to the state general fund."
SECTION 5. Section 502-27, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§502-27 Charges. [(a)
Except when otherwise provided, fees for the use of microfilms of
documents recorded in the bureau of conveyances for the purpose of making
duplicates shall be established by rules adopted by the department of land and
natural resources pursuant to chapter 91.
(b)] Frame charges for duplicating microfilm shall
not be assessed against any agency of the State or counties thereof."
SECTION 6. Act 120, Session Laws of Hawaii 2009, as amended by section 11 of Act 119, Session Laws of Hawaii 2013, is amended as follows:
1. By amending section 16 to read:
"SECTION 16. [As of July 1, 2009, the department of
land and natural resources shall assess a transaction fee of $5 to be charged
for each recording in the bureau of conveyances and in the office of the
assistant registrar of the land court for services rendered by the bureau of
conveyances pursuant to part II of chapter 501 and chapter 502, Hawaii Revised
Statutes. The transaction fees collected
shall be deposited to the credit of the bureau of conveyances special fund
established under section 502-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and shall be used to
support purchases of hardware, system design, and staff training related to
automation of the bureau of conveyances.] Repealed."
2. By amending section 21 to read:
"SECTION 21. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2009;
provided that section 2 of this Act shall take effect on July 1, 2011; provided
further that section 16 of this Act shall take effect on July 1, 2009, and
shall be repealed on [the effective date of administrative rules adopted by
the department of land and natural resources that address the establishment of
transaction fees for each recording in the bureau of conveyances and in the
office of the assistant registrar of the land court;] December 31, 2026;
provided further that section 17 of this Act shall take effect on January 1,
2012; and provided further that section 18 of this Act shall take effect upon
its approval and shall be repealed on January 31, 2010."
SECTION
7. Statutory material to be repealed is
bracketed and stricken. New statutory
material is underscored.
SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000, except that section 6 shall take effect on December 31, 2026.
Report Title:
DLNR; Bureau of Conveyances; Land Court; Transaction Fees
Description:
Makes permanent, rather than repealing upon the adoption of relevant administrative rules, the Department of Land and Natural Resources' authority to establish a transaction fee for certain services rendered by the Bureau of Conveyances for each recording in the Bureau of Conveyances and Land Court. Amends the authorized uses of moneys in the Bureau of Conveyances Special Fund. Repeals language that required the Bureau of Conveyances' microfilm fees to be established by rules. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2544 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
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|
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||
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to administrative fees.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that a sound policy of cost recovery and user fees for public services for records management and conveyance in the State is crucial to ensure efficient and reliable services to the public. With the unique and specialized work performed by the bureau of conveyances, and given its continuing workforce shortages, increasing automation and operational advancements are needed to support the staff and continue delivering quality service to the State.
The legislature further finds that the establishment of user fees for document recordation services of the bureau of conveyances ensures the integrity of records of the regular system and land court system and sustains services provided by the bureau of conveyances and office of the assistant registrar of the land court for records management and delivery, while avoiding the need to establish additional revenue sources to fund these vital services.
The legislature also finds that there is a fee discrepancy between the regular system and land court system, even though the work required to handle recordation services is identical.
The purpose of this Act is to support efficient, equitable, and reliable services for conveyance transactions and records in the State by, beginning on January 1, 2027:
(1) Making permanent, rather than repealing upon the adoption of relevant administrative rules, the department of land and natural resources' authority to establish a transaction fee for certain services rendered by the bureau of conveyances for each recording in the bureau of conveyances and land court;
(2) Amending the authorized uses of moneys in the bureau of conveyances special fund; and
(3) Repealing language that required fees for the use of microfilms of documents recorded in the bureau of conveyances to be established by the department of land and natural resources by rules.
SECTION 2. Chapter 501, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§501- Transaction fee; recordings in the office of the assistant registrar of the land court; services rendered by the bureau of conveyances. (a) The department of land and natural resources shall assess a transaction fee of $5 for each recording in the office of the assistant registrar of the land court for services rendered by the bureau of conveyances under this chapter.
(b) The transaction fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the bureau of conveyances special fund established under section 502-8 and shall be used to support purchases of hardware, software, design and implementation services, staff training, and other related support services for the improvement of daily operations and automation and the increased efficiency and productivity of the bureau of conveyances."
SECTION 3. Chapter 502, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§502- Transaction fee; recordings in the bureau of conveyances. (a) The department of land and natural resources shall assess a transaction fee of $5 for each recording in the bureau of conveyances for services rendered under this chapter.
(b) The transaction fees collected pursuant to this section shall be deposited to the credit of the bureau of conveyances special fund established under section 502-8 and shall be used to support purchases of hardware, software, design and implementation services, staff training, and other related support services for the improvement of daily operations and automation and the increased efficiency and productivity of the bureau of conveyances."
SECTION 4. Section 502-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§502-8 Bureau of conveyances
special fund. (a) There is established in the state treasury
the bureau of conveyances special fund, into which shall be deposited the
revenues remitted pursuant to sections 501-23.5 and 502-25[,];
transaction fees established pursuant to sections 501- and
502- ; interest earnings[,]; grants[,];
donations[,]; and appropriations from the legislature that shall
be held separate and apart from all other moneys, funds, and accounts in the
state treasury.
(b) Moneys in the bureau of conveyances special fund shall be used by the bureau of conveyances for the following purposes:
(1) Planning, design,
construction, and acquisition of equipment, furnishings, and software necessary
for the [development] enhancement and periodic replacement of the
recording system described in this chapter and chapter 501;
(2) Operating,
maintaining, and improving the recording system described in this chapter and
chapter 501 or any other purpose deemed necessary by the bureau of conveyances
for the purpose of planning, improving, developing, operating, maintaining
the continuity of business operations, and maintaining of the
recording [system] office operations described in this chapter
and chapter 501;
(3) The secure and accessible digital preservation of all recorded documents and maps as well as the professional restoration of a select series of bound book records of historic and cultural value;
[(3)] (4) Permanent
and temporary staff positions as well as the limited use of qualified
contractors for the purposes of this chapter and chapter 501; and
[(4)] (5)
Administrative costs for the purposes of this chapter and chapter
501[.];
provided that moneys collected from transaction fees pursuant to sections 501- and 502- for deposit into the special fund shall be used to support purchases of hardware, software, design and implementation services, staff training, and other related support services for the improvement of daily operations and automation of the bureau of conveyances.
(c) All moneys in excess of $500,000 remaining on balance in the bureau of conveyances special fund on June 30 of each year shall lapse to the credit of the state general fund; provided that any balance of funds collected pursuant to section 16 of Act 120, Session Laws of Hawaii 2009, as amended, until that section is repealed on December 31, 2026, and pursuant to sections 501- and 502- shall not lapse to the credit of the state general fund. On July 1 of each year, the director of finance is authorized to transfer any excess funds in the bureau of conveyances special fund to the state general fund."
SECTION 5. Section 502-27, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§502-27 Charges. [(a)
Except when otherwise provided, fees for the use of microfilms of
documents recorded in the bureau of conveyances for the purpose of making
duplicates shall be established by rules adopted by the department of land and
natural resources pursuant to chapter 91.
(b)] Frame charges for duplicating microfilm shall
not be assessed against any agency of the State or counties thereof."
SECTION 6. Act 120, Session Laws of Hawaii 2009, as amended by section 11 of Act 119, Session Laws of Hawaii 2013, is amended as follows:
1. By amending section 16 to read:
"SECTION 16. [As of July 1, 2009, the department of
land and natural resources shall assess a transaction fee of $5 to be charged
for each recording in the bureau of conveyances and in the office of the
assistant registrar of the land court for services rendered by the bureau of
conveyances pursuant to part II of chapter 501 and chapter 502, Hawaii Revised
Statutes. The transaction fees collected
shall be deposited to the credit of the bureau of conveyances special fund
established under section 502-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and shall be used to
support purchases of hardware, system design, and staff training related to
automation of the bureau of conveyances.] Repealed."
2. By amending section 21 to read:
"SECTION 21. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2009;
provided that section 2 of this Act shall take effect on July 1, 2011; provided
further that section 16 of this Act shall take effect on July 1, 2009, and
shall be repealed on [the effective date of administrative rules adopted by
the department of land and natural resources that address the establishment of
transaction fees for each recording in the bureau of conveyances and in the
office of the assistant registrar of the land court;] December 31, 2026;
provided further that section 17 of this Act shall take effect on January 1,
2012; and provided further that section 18 of this Act shall take effect upon
its approval and shall be repealed on January 31, 2010."
SECTION 7. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2027,
except that section 6 shall take effect on December 31, 2026.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
DLNR; Bureau of Conveyances; Land Court; Transaction Fees
Description:
Makes permanent, rather than repealing upon the adoption of relevant administrative rules, the Department of Land and Natural Resources' authority to establish a transaction fee for certain services rendered by the Bureau of Conveyances for each recording in the Bureau of Conveyances and Land Court. Amends the authorized uses of moneys in the Bureau of Conveyances Special Fund. Repeals language that required the Bureau of Conveyances' microfilm fees to be established by rules. Effective 1/1/2027.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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|---|---|
| Mar 30, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Reported from WLA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3257) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 18, 2026 | The committee(s) on WLA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WLA were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Inouye, Chang, Lamosao, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 16, 2026 | The committee(s) on WLA deferred the measure until 03-18-26 1:05PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | The committee(s) on WLA has scheduled a public hearing on 03-16-26 1:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Referred to WLA, WAM. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 116). |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Perruso excused (1). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 886-26), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 16 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Perruso, Templo, Yamashita, Alcos, Gedeon, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 27, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Tuesday, 03-03-26 10:00AM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and none excused (0). |
| Feb 18, 2026 | Reported from WAL (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 462-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Feb 12, 2026 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Hashem, Morikawa, Belatti, Ichiyama, Iwamoto, Poepoe, Woodson, Shimizu, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 10, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by WAL on Thursday, 02-12-26 9:00AM in House conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 2, 2026 | Referred to WAL, FIN, referral sheet 6 |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 18, 2026 | The committee(s) on WLA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts |
Passed |
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| Mar 5, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
|
| Feb 12, 2026 | The committee on WAL recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Water & Land |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Department of Land and Natural Resources | *** Support | Mar 16, 2026 |
| HAWAII GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION | *** Against | Feb 12, 2026 |
| Hawaii Government Employees Association (AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO) | *** Against | Mar 16, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 886-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2544
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2544, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE FEES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Make permanent the Department of Land and Natural Resources' authority to establish a transaction fee for certain services rendered by the Bureau of Conveyances for each recording in the Bureau of Conveyances and Land Court, rather than repealing this authority upon the adoption of relevant administrative rules;
(2) Amend the authorized uses of monies in the Bureau of Conveyances Special Fund; and
(3) Repeal the requirement for the Bureau of Conveyances' microfilm fees to be established by rule.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2544, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ CHRIS TODD, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 462-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2544
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred H.B. No. 2544 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ADMINISTRATIVE FEES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Make permanent, rather than repealing upon the adoption of relevant administrative rules, the Department of Land and Natural Resources' authority to establish a transaction fee for certain services rendered by the Bureau of Conveyances for each recording in the Bureau of Conveyances and Land Court;
(2) Amend the authorized uses of monies in the Bureau of Conveyances Special Fund; and
(3) Repeal provisions that required the Bureau of Conveyances' microfilm fees to be established by rules.
Your Committee finds that the Bureau of Conveyances performs highly specialized and critical functions that ensure the integrity, reliability, and accessibility of Hawaii's land title records under the Regular System and the Land Court System. Although the work required to process recordings in both systems is similar, existing law has resulted in a discrepancy in how fees are assessed. Your Committee further finds that this measure addresses that inequity by establishing a consistent transaction fee structure across the two systems.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing its effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(2) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to review the issue of adjusting the pricing of the positions needed in the Bureau of Conveyances.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2544, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2544, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,
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____________________________ MARK J. HASHEM, Chair |
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Date
|
Testimony PDF
|
|---|---|
| Mar 16, 2026 | HB2544_HD1_TESTIMONY_WLA_03-16-26_.PDF |
| Mar 3, 2026 | HB2544_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_03-03-26_.PDF |
| Feb 12, 2026 | HB2544_TESTIMONY_WAL_02-12-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
51SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
3MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Water, Land, Culture and the Arts
54SEC
House Standing Committee on Finance
24SEC
House Standing Committee on Finance
5MIN
House Standing Committee on Water & Land
10SEC
House Standing Committee on Water & Land
Bill Author
