Bill > HCR207

This concurrent resolution urges the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to conduct a comprehensive economic analysis of military-leased lands in Hawaii, addressing several key concerns stemming from historical context involving the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom and ongoing military land use. The resolution calls for a detailed assessment of economic impacts, including lost opportunities for agriculture, education, and housing, as well as the comprehensive costs of cleaning up contaminated lands used by the U.S. military. Specifically, the DLNR is requested to evaluate lost economic potential, cleanup expenses, restoration costs, foregone income from below-market $1 leases, and lost tax revenues. Additionally, the resolution demands the establishment of a transparent public process for lease renewal negotiations, with community hearings and stakeholder engagement. The DLNR is asked to submit a report detailing its findings to the Legislature before the 2026 Regular Session, highlighting the significant environmental and economic degradation of trust lands used by the military, which currently occupy over 200,000 acres across multiple sites in Hawaii, with several critical leases set to expire in 2029.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=207&year=2025