Bill > SB535

This bill establishes an advisory committee convened by Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Health to inventory and potentially transfer federal lands back to the state. The committee, consisting of up to 15 members appointed by the governor, will include experts in environmental conservation, land remediation, Native Hawaiian rights, and economic impacts, as well as government officials. The committee's primary task is to identify and analyze lands currently held by the United States government that might be feasibly returned to Hawaii, excluding specific properties like national parks, military bases, and federal buildings. The advisory committee will communicate with federal representatives to explore potential transfer terms, including environmental cleanup, costs, and timelines. They are required to submit annual reports to the legislature beginning in 2027, detailing their findings and recommendations, and the committee will remain active until December 31, 2035. The bill is rooted in the state constitution's mandate to conserve and protect natural resources, and recognizes the historical context of land acquisition during Hawaii's territorial period when the state had limited negotiating power with the federal government.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=535&year=2025