Bill > HR199

This resolution urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to conduct a comprehensive economic analysis of all military-leased lands in Hawaii, addressing long-standing concerns about the impact of military land use on public trust lands. The analysis would evaluate lost economic opportunities in areas like agriculture, education, and housing; comprehensive cleanup costs for environmental contamination including unexploded ordnance; restoration and development expenses; lost income from low-cost $1 leases; and foregone tax revenues. The resolution is contextualized by referencing Public Law 103-150, which acknowledged the United States' role in the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, and Public Law 86-3, which relates to Hawaiian trust lands. Additionally, the resolution calls for DLNR to establish a transparent public process for lease renewal negotiations, including public hearings and community consultations, and to submit a detailed report to the Legislature before the 2026 Regular Session. This request is particularly timely as several military land leases are set to expire in 2029, and the lands have suffered significant environmental and economic degradation during military use.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HR&billnumber=199&year=2025