Bill > SB903

This bill amends the Public Land Trust Working Group established by Act 226 in 2022 to further investigate and resolve long-standing issues related to the State of Hawaii's land trust obligations to Native Hawaiians. The bill expands the working group's membership to include two members appointed by the governor, three members appointed by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), one member appointed by the senate president, and one member appointed by the house speaker. The group is tasked with comprehensively reviewing the public land trust inventory and financial reporting, with specific requirements to submit four detailed reports to the legislature between 2026 and 2027. These reports will examine the accuracy of land inventories, assess revenue reporting processes, and develop a preliminary and final draft settlement for OHA's pro rata share of public land trust income and proceeds. The bill appropriates $500,000 for independent third-party professionals to assist the working group, with the condition that OHA provides matching funds. The ultimate goal is to ensure a thorough accounting of ceded lands, validate the financial reporting related to these lands, and establish a fair mechanism for OHA to receive its constitutionally mandated 20% share of public land trust revenues for the betterment of Native Hawaiians.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=903&year=2026