Bill > HB1309

This bill aims to transfer certain lands currently under the jurisdiction of state agencies to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), with the goal of supporting native Hawaiian land rights and homestead development. The bill provides context by explaining that the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (HHCA) of 1920, which was incorporated into Hawaii's state constitution, established a land trust to benefit native Hawaiians. Currently, DHHL manages over 200,000 acres of trust lands and has 10,045 homestead leases, but faces a significant challenge with nearly 29,451 applicants on the waitlist for residential, agricultural, or pastoral leases. The bill recognizes that only about 5% of DHHL's current land holdings are designated for residential use, while over 63% are designated for agriculture, special districts, or conservation. By authorizing the transfer of lands from other state agencies to DHHL, the legislation seeks to help address the ongoing land needs of native Hawaiians and support the state's commitment to the rehabilitation of the Hawaiian race, as originally outlined in the HHCA and the Hawaii Admission Act of 1959. The bill will take effect upon approval, and the land transfers will be made in fee simple, meaning the DHHL will receive full ownership of the specified lands and their existing improvements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1309&year=2026