Bill > SCR25

This concurrent resolution strongly opposes the federal government's use of, or threats to use, condemnation to seize any state land, specifically mentioning the Pohakuloa training area. Condemnation is the legal process by which a government can take private property for public use, even if the owner does not wish to sell, provided "just compensation" is paid. The resolution highlights that Pohakuloa is sacred to Native Hawaiians (kanaka oiwi), a burial ground for ancestors (iwi kupuna), and an important natural habitat. It notes that the U.S. Army has leased this state public trust land since 1964 for training exercises, with the lease set to expire in August 2029. The resolution also references a recent rejection of the Army's environmental impact statement and a significant settlement request from the Governor should the Army pursue condemnation, as well as congressional concerns about the Army potentially bypassing negotiations. It asserts that the U.S. Constitution protects state sovereignty and land disposition processes, and that condemnation is not the appropriate way for the federal government to acquire state land, urging the State to uphold its responsibilities to Native Hawaiians and the public regarding Pohakuloa.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SCR&billnumber=25&year=2026