Mark Zuckerberg said he is reconsidering his approach to acquiring parcels of land on his sprawling estate in Hawaii.

The move to get the land through a unique Hawaiian law angered locals and prompted a state lawmaker to propose a bill that would force Zuckerberg into mediation before buying real estate on Kauai.

The billionaire chief executive officer of Facebook said yesterday: 'Based on feedback from the local community, we are reconsidering the quiet title process and discussing how to move forward.

'We want to make sure we are following a process that protects the interests of property owners, respects the traditions of Native Hawaiians, and preserves the environment.'

Zuckerberg is looking to buy out a dozen small parcels of land at his $100 million estate

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, (pictured, right, with his wife Priscilla), has faced criticism over his plans create a new home for his family in Hawaii in his $100 million estate

Zuckerberg reportedly paid over $100million for the Kahu'aina plantation and the neighboring Pila'a Beach estate in 2014.

But he does not own all the land on the estates.

There are about 14 small pockets of land, some less than an acre. They originally belonged to Native Hawaiians who were given the land when private property was established in Hawaii in the mid-19th century.

Many of the landowners died without making wills, and it was never determined who inherited the land.

Last month Zuckerberg's lawyers filed a lawsuit asking the courts to find these owners so Zuckerberg could provide fair compensation for their land through the quiet title process, according to the documents.

C ritics described him as acting like 'bullying modern colonizers'.

Last Friday State Representative Kaniela Ing said he would introduce legislation which would force Zuckerberg into mediation before purchasing land on the island.

Zuckerberg has struck a conciliatory tone, saying: 'We love Kauai. We want to be good members of the community and preserve the land for generations to come.'