American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

The first statewide zoning system was introduced in 1978 in which state?

1. California

2. New York

3. Hawaii

4. Texas

The correct answer is: Hawaii

The first statewide zoning system was indeed introduced in Hawaii in 1978. This action was significant because it represented an innovative approach to land use planning, enabling a coordinated effort to manage growth and development across the entire state. The Hawaii land use system established four land use districts: urban, rural, agricultural, and conservation, laying the groundwork for a more systematic and organized approach to zoning that sought to balance development with the preservation of natural resources. The implementation of this statewide system was influenced by Hawaii's unique geographical and environmental characteristics, as well as the need to manage tourism and urbanization effectively. The use of a statewide zoning system aimed to address concerns about overdevelopment and the environmental impacts of rapid population growth in the islands. In contrast, other states mentioned in the question have historically had different approaches to zoning, often allowing local municipalities more autonomy in land use decisions without a cohesive statewide framework. This distinction highlights Hawaii's pioneering role in establishing a comprehensive statewide zoning system addressing broader planning concerns.