WHAT WE DO

Expertise

The Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii (LURF) was originally formed in 1979 by Oahu’s major landowners and developers, and its mission is to represent, promote and advance the interests of the industry and the community by advocating for reasonable, rational and equitable land use planning, legislation and regulations that encourage well-planned economic growth, development and sustainability, while supporting environmental stewardship of Hawaii’s significant natural and cultural resources, and protecting public health and safety.

Today, LURF is a statewide, private, non-profit research and trade association whose members include major Hawaii landowners, developers and a utility company. LURF represents it members by monitoring and researching land use policies, laws and regulations, establishing alliances with other organizations, providing information to its members, the public and government, and advocating for reasonable, rational and equitable land use planning, legislation and regulations. Our members believe that LURF has been of great value to them as a watchdog, a source of credible information and research, and as an advocate.

LURF’s credibility with public officials is the result of years of consistent, valid, and well-researched work. We are most proud of our efforts to create alliances with other organizations to broaden the reach of LURF and pass important legislation. Over the years, LURF has been a strong voice of reason, representing its membership, finding common ground with community groups, government and business and working in the best interests of Hawaii’s future.

LURF, has a broad land use scope, and along with its alliances and other stakeholders have played a major role in State and county policies, laws, regulations and land use planning and permitting processes, agriculture and Important Agricultural Lands, the environmental review process and Environmental Impact Statements, historic preservation, endangered and threatened species and critical habitat, conservation and rural lands, shoreline setbacks and climate change, energy, education and the School Impact Fee law, affordable housing and housing for all income levels, industrial and commercial development, transit and transit-oriented development and the tourism industry.