Hawaii House Bill HB1353

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/25
• Refer: 1/27/25

Caption

Relating To The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands.

Summary

HB1353 is an appropriations bill that directs state general funds to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) for the purchase of a specific parcel of land identified by tax map key (1) 9-1-013-025, including any existing improvements on the property. The bill covers fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 and authorizes DHHL to expend the appropriated funds for that land acquisition. The measure is narrowly focused on a single land transaction rather than a broader policy change. It would add a new state appropriation in the budget process and support DHHL’s land acquisition efforts for Hawaiian home lands purposes. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, if enacted.

Impact

If enacted, HB1353 would require the State of Hawaii to appropriate an unspecified amount of general revenues over two fiscal years for DHHL to acquire the identified parcel. It would not amend existing substantive land-use or housing statutes, but it would create a direct funding authorization for a specific purchase and thereby expand DHHL’s land inventory if the acquisition is completed. The practical effect would be to dedicate state resources to Hawaiian home lands administration and land restoration efforts.

Sentiment

No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, support, or opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears routine and targeted, with a generally administrative and supportive purpose centered on DHHL land acquisition. The absence of recorded controversy suggests the bill was introduced as a straightforward appropriations request rather than a contested policy proposal.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is the use of general fund money for a specific land purchase, including the amount to be appropriated, which is left blank in the bill text. Another possible issue is the selection and valuation of the parcel itself, since the bill authorizes purchase of a particular tax map key and any existing improvements. No explicit objections, amendments, or stakeholder positions are included in the provided record.