Bill > SB198

This bill establishes new restrictions on leasing public lands to the United States Department of Defense (DoD) or military branches, focusing on environmental compliance and residents' health and safety. Specifically, the bill prohibits the State of Hawaii from issuing or extending land leases to the DoD or military branches if they are noncompliant with any environmental orders, consent decrees, memoranda of agreement, laws, rules, or orders that affect residents' health and safety. The bill requires the Board of Land and Natural Resources to request that the DoD add these compliance requirements to existing leases and propose an alternative option for the military to fully remediate and restore leased lands to make them suitable for agriculture, residential use, and human habitation before the lease term ends. The board must also submit reports to the legislature in 2026 and 2027 detailing the status of these requests and any related negotiations. The bill's purpose is to assert the State's role as a responsible landlord and protect Hawaii's environment and residents' well-being by holding military lessees to strict environmental and safety standards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=198&year=2026