Bill > SB1654

This bill addresses the land needs of Native Hawaiians by authorizing the transfer of certain lands from various state agencies to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). The bill provides context about the historical background of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920 (HHCA), which was established to set aside lands for the benefit of Native Hawaiians and was subsequently incorporated into Hawaii's state constitution. Currently, DHHL manages 203,981 acres of trust lands and 10,045 homestead leases, but faces significant challenges with over 29,451 applicants on the waitlist for residential, agricultural, or pastoral leases. The legislature recognizes that only about five percent of DHHL's land holdings are designated for residential use, while over 63 percent are designated for agriculture, special districts, or conservation. To address this limitation, the bill allows for the transfer of fee simple interests in lands from certain state agencies to DHHL, with the goal of supporting the department's mission to develop and deliver land to Native Hawaiians. The bill will take effect upon approval and represents an effort to fulfill the state's trust responsibilities to the Hawaiian race as outlined in the Hawaii Admission Act of 1959.

Government Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1654&year=2025