Idea to scrap land panel arises again

HILO » The Hawaii island County Council is asking the state to give county governments full oversight over large developers.

The council has passed a resolution asking the state Legislature to abolish the state Land Use Commission.

State lawmakers say the issue comes up periodically, especially during tough economic times, and they have always rejected it.

House Majority Leader Blake Oshiro says lawmakers see these kinds of proposals as forsaking long-term planning across the state.

Backers of the idea contend it allows people more control over their communities.

Opponents argue the statewide commission removes local politics from important land-use decisions.