Bill > HB491

This bill establishes new restrictions on leasing public lands in Hawaii, requiring that lessees meet specific financial, environmental, and legal standards before obtaining or renewing a lease. Under the proposed law, the State cannot lease public lands to individuals, corporations, or federal agencies that: (1) owe unpaid moneys to the State, such as impact aid or reimbursement costs; (2) are noncompliant with environmental maintenance or remediation orders; or (3) have violated federal or state environmental protection laws. Before issuing or extending any lease, the Board of Land and Natural Resources must obtain certification from the Governor's Office confirming the lessee is in good standing. For existing lessees found to be non-compliant, the bill provides a grace period of three years or until the lease term ends (whichever is shorter) to correct violations, such as paying outstanding balances, completing environmental remediation, or addressing criminal penalties. The legislation does not prevent the State from terminating leases for other reasons and explicitly preserves the State's broader lease termination rights. The bill aims to ensure responsible land use and hold lessees accountable for their financial and environmental obligations, treating the State's role as a landlord similar to standard private sector lease practices.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=491&year=2026