Bill > SB654

This bill addresses a specific land lease issue involving the Prince Kuhio Plaza, the largest enclosed mall on Hawaii's Big Island. The legislation requires the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), which owns the property located at 111 East Puainako Street in Hilo, to take action against its current lessee, Ho Retail Properties I, Ltd. The bill finds that the current lessee has been negligent in maintaining the property, resulting in building leaks and store vacancies. Specifically, the bill mandates that DHHL must either repeal, revoke, or buy out the remainder of the existing lease, and then resell the lease at fair market value to a new entity that commits to properly maintaining the plaza. The purpose of the bill is to ensure the continued viability and upkeep of this important commercial property by replacing an underperforming lessee with a more responsible tenant. The legislation would take effect immediately upon approval, giving DHHL the authority to proceed with the lease changes as soon as the bill is signed into law.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=654&year=2026