Bill > HR189

This resolution requests the President of the United States to return recreational facilities on Hawaii public lands, specifically mentioning Fort DeRussy and the Hale Koa Hotel, to the State of Hawaii if they are no longer needed for national defense. The resolution emphasizes that these lands were historically "crown and government lands" of the Hawaiian Kingdom, acquired by the federal government under specific conditions outlined in the Hawaii Admission Act (P.L. 86-3) and further clarified by Public Law 88-233. It argues that the continued federal use of these lands for recreational purposes, like the Hale Koa Hotel which operates as a commercial resort without paying state taxes, does not constitute a legitimate military defense need. The resolution calls for a comprehensive review of all federally held lands in Hawaii to identify those no longer required for defense and to facilitate their return to the State, where they will be managed as part of the public land trust for the benefit of Hawaii's residents, particularly Native Hawaiians. It also directs the State Attorney General to explore legal options to compel the return of these lands if the federal government does not act voluntarily.