About Land Use Research Foundation (LURF):

The Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii (LURF) was established in 1979 to promote and advance the interests of the development community, particularly in the areas of land use laws and regulations. LURF is a statewide, private, non-profit research and trade association whose members include major Hawaii landowners, developers and a utility company. Over the years, LURF has been a strong voice of reason, working to represent the interests of its membership and at the same time find common ground for the concerns of government, business, and the community. One of LURF's missions is to advocate for reasonable, rational and equitable land use planning, legislation and regulations that encourage well-planned economic growth and development, while safeguarding Hawaii's significant natural and cutlrual resources and public health and safety. LURF accomplishes this through a four-pronged program of Research, Information, Advocacy and Alliances

  • Research —LURF sponsors, participates in, or produces research projects to educate and inform decision-makers, the media, and the public about issues related to land use, development, and the economy.
     
  • Information —LURF tracks, analyzes and reports to members on state and county land use policies and proposals that include, among other things, planning, zoning, environmental, housing, economic development, infrastructure, and natural resource issues. In addition to guest speakers and LURF Forums, the main channels of communication to members are e-mailed information, Ad-Hoc groups on issues of interest, and the LegTrack Report (produced weekly during the legislative session), and the Land Use Bulletin.
     
  • Advocacy —LURF actively promotes equitable and streamlined state and county land use laws and regulations that advance economic development for the benefit of LURF members through research, testimony, education, and working directly with government decision makers, department heads and administrative staff.
     
  • Alliances —LURF has developed relationships with a wide range of other professional organizations on common advocacy goals.  One of our strategies has been to partner with other organizations to broaden our reach on issues. Some alliances include, but are not limited to: Hawaii Resort Developer's Council, Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Building Industry Association of Hawaii , Hawaii Developer's Council, Hawaii Leeward Planning Conference, Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, Urban Land Institute, American Planning Association, General Contractors Association of Hawaii, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, and American Institute of Architects.
     

Leadership:

LURF is governed by an executive committee and board of directors representing each of the members.

Governance:

The following document provides an overview of the vision, strategic goals, and rules by which LURF is governed.

Working Groups:

  • City & County of Honolulu - Transportation Impact Fees Working Group
  • City & County of Honolulu - Department of Planning & Permitting Amendments to Rules governing Affordable Housing for Unilateral Agreements
  • Department of Education Impact Fees (West Hawaii)
  • EIS/EA University of Hawaii Study
  • Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs - Infrastructure Project
  • Governor's Affordable Housing Barriers Task Force
  • Kauai - Important Agricultural Lands
  • Mayor's Affordable Housing Advisory Group
  • Maui Island Plan
  • State Department of Transportation Scenic Byways Committee

Member Involvement:

LURF harnesses the creativity and expertise of its broad membership in the development of its policies and programs. Members from all sectors are involved in issues of importance and are called upon in small working groups to address issues that are relevant and timely. LURF also offers a wide range of special interest groups to meet the business needs of the development community through informal and formal alliances with other groups and organizations. Volunteer participation assures LURF's relevancy and success in achieving its mission.

David Arakawa , Executive Director
Phone: 808-521-4717  Fax: 808-536-0132.

If you would like to contact LURF, please contact us at the number above.