Bill > SB769

This bill clarifies and refines the roles and responsibilities of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority (MKSOA) and the University of Hawaii (UH) regarding conservation district use permits on Mauna Kea. Specifically, the bill establishes that each lessee will be responsible for applying for their own conservation district use permits, while the MKSOA will serve as the regulatory authority for approving and ensuring compliance with these permits after the transition period. The bill also allows the MKSOA to apply for permits for common area improvements that do not benefit a specific lessee. Notably, the legislation preserves the University of Hawaii's status as the named permittee for 13 specific existing conservation district use permits related to astronomical observatories, even after the July 1, 2028 transfer of management responsibilities. This approach reflects the legislature's intent to maintain a balanced approach to Mauna Kea's management, addressing previous concerns about insufficient consultation with the Native Hawaiian community while ensuring continued scientific research can proceed. The bill builds upon Act 255 from 2022, which originally established the MKSOA, and represents an ongoing effort to create a more collaborative and culturally sensitive management framework for this culturally and scientifically significant site.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=769&year=2026