Bill > SB1006

This bill establishes a comprehensive legal framework to prohibit foreign parties from owning land within ten miles of military installations or other state lands in Hawaii, driven by concerns about national security. The legislation creates an Office of Intelligence within the Department of Defense to investigate and track potential land ownership violations by non-U.S. citizens or entities with significant foreign control. The bill defines "prohibited foreign parties" as individuals who are not U.S. citizens or businesses where non-citizens hold a substantial interest (33% or more individually, or 50% in aggregate), and strictly prohibits such parties from acquiring, holding, or maintaining ownership of "proximate land." If a prohibited foreign party is found to own such land, they must divest their interest within a specified timeframe, or the Attorney General will initiate a civil action to force the sale of the property. Violations of this law are classified as a Class C felony, and the bill explicitly states that being a resident alien does not serve as a legal defense. The legislation is supported by an appropriation of funds to establish the new Office of Intelligence and will take effect on July 1, 2025, with provisions ensuring it does not retroactively impact existing legal rights or ongoing proceedings.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1006&year=2025