Bill > SB1532

This bill proposes amendments to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act that grant the U.S. Department of the Interior the authority to adopt regulations for administering the Act, with specific guidelines for doing so. The bill requires that these regulations maintain federal oversight of the Hawaiian home lands trust, protect the rights of beneficiaries, and support the self-determination of Native Hawaiian homestead associations. Additionally, the bill modifies the composition of the Hawaiian Homes Commission, stipulating that at least five of the nine members must be Native Hawaiian beneficiaries as defined in the Act, and no more than four members can be descendants of races inhabiting the Hawaiian Islands before 1778. The bill also removes a previous requirement about the number of years members must have been state residents prior to appointment. These changes aim to ensure more representation of Native Hawaiians in the commission and provide clearer federal guidance for the administration of Hawaiian home lands. The bill will take effect upon approval, and includes a provision that if any part of the amendment requires U.S. consent to be effective, only that specific portion will be delayed pending such consent.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1532&year=2025