Bill > SB211

This bill addresses the development potential of five parcels of land in the Kakaako Makai area owned by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), which were originally transferred to OHA in 2012 with certain restrictions. The bill lifts the previous prohibition on residential development for these five specific parcels (identified by their tax map key numbers) and raises the building height limit to 400 feet for two of the parcels. To ensure responsible development, the bill requires that any residential development plans must first go through a public hearing process, where potential developers must provide public notice at least 30 days in advance and allow interested parties to submit comments. Additionally, the bill mandates that OHA and any developers provide written notice to potential lessees about possible aircraft-related nuisances (such as noise and odor) and propose mitigation strategies for these issues. The legislature's rationale is to enhance the revenue-generating capacity of these lands for the benefit of native Hawaiians, consistent with OHA's constitutional mandate to manage lands and resources for the Native Hawaiian community. By allowing residential development and increasing potential building heights, the bill aims to maximize the economic potential of these properties while maintaining transparency and addressing potential quality of life concerns for future residents.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=211&year=2025