Bill > SB6

This bill clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) and the newly established Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority regarding the management of Mauna Kea lands. Specifically, the bill ensures that the BLNR retains full authority over lands in the state conservation district on Mauna Kea, even after the five-year transition period outlined in a previous act. The bill maintains that the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement will continue to be responsible for natural resource management enforcement and emergency response on Mauna Kea lands. It also emphasizes that the BLNR must uphold its constitutional duty to protect the traditional and customary rights of Native Hawaiians. The legislation amends several sections of Hawaii Revised Statutes to clarify these points, including restrictions on the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority's ability to transfer or sell lands and ensuring continued transparency and community engagement. The changes are designed to provide clear guidance on natural resource management and protect the state's important conservation areas, with the bill set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=6&year=2026