Bill > SR22

This resolution strongly opposes the federal government's use or threat of using condemnation, which is the government's power to take private property for public use, even if the owner does not wish to sell, to acquire any state land, specifically mentioning the Pohakuloa training area. The resolution highlights that Pohakuloa is a sacred site for Native Hawaiians, a resting place for ancestors, historically used for gathering resources and traditional practices, and an important habitat for native species. It notes that the U.S. Army has leased approximately 23,000 acres of this state public trust land for training since 1964, with the lease set to expire in August 2029, and that the Army's environmental impact statement for continued use was rejected. The resolution also references concerns from the U.S. Congress about the Army potentially pursuing condemnation before exhausting negotiation options and emphasizes that the federal government should respect state laws and legal processes for land disposition, rather than resorting to condemnation, and encourages the State to uphold its responsibilities to Native Hawaiians and the public regarding this land.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SR&billnumber=22&year=2026