Bill > SCR128

This concurrent resolution requests the Attorney General of Hawaii to conduct a comprehensive review of state lands currently leased to the United States or federal agencies. Motivated by concerns about federal land management practices, including environmental damage (such as the Red Hill water contamination and bombing of Kaho'olawe), the resolution specifically asks the Attorney General to produce a detailed list of all state lands under federal lease and to investigate potential legal impediments to these leases. The resolution also requests that current lessors of state lands provide necessary information to support this review, with particular attention to whether leasing lands at nominal rates (such as one dollar) violates state constitutional or statutory provisions. The underlying context suggests growing unease with federal land stewardship, especially during the Trump administration, which was perceived as potentially treating public lands as financial assets and potentially endangering environmental conservation. By requesting this comprehensive review, the resolution aims to provide a clear accounting of state lands under federal control and assess the legality and appropriateness of existing lease arrangements.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SCR&billnumber=128&year=2025