SB1654 would authorize the conveyance of the fee simple interest in certain lands, along with existing improvements, from the jurisdiction of certain state agencies to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). The bill is framed as a response to DHHL’s long-standing land shortage and the large number of Native Hawaiian applicants still waiting for residential, agricultural, or pastoral homestead leases. Its findings emphasize the State’s trust obligations under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and the Hawaii Admission Act, and the need to identify additional lands suitable for homestead development.
In practical terms, the bill would expand the pool of land available to DHHL by allowing transfers of state-controlled property into the Hawaiian home lands trust. Because the measure states that the transfer would occur notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, it could override conflicting statutory or administrative constraints that otherwise limit interagency land conveyances. The bill does not identify the specific parcels in the text provided, but it establishes the legal authority for such transfers and would affect state agencies holding eligible lands, DHHL, and Native Hawaiian beneficiaries of the homestead program.
Impact
If enacted, SB1654 would change state law to permit certain state agency lands to be transferred in fee simple to DHHL, potentially increasing the inventory of trust lands available for homestead use. The measure would directly affect land management and disposition practices of state agencies with jurisdiction over qualifying parcels, while strengthening DHHL’s ability to acquire land for residential, agricultural, or pastoral development. It would also reinforce the State’s constitutional and statutory obligations related to the Hawaiian home lands trust.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text, the overall sentiment is supportive of DHHL and Native Hawaiian homestead needs. The findings present the bill as a remedial measure addressing a significant backlog of applicants and a shortage of residentially usable land. No committee testimony, votes, or recorded opposition were provided, so there is no documented legislative debate in the materials supplied.
Contention
The main policy issue implied by the bill is the transfer of land away from other state agencies to DHHL, which could raise concerns about agency control, land availability for other public purposes, and the scope of the bill’s override of conflicting law. The bill’s supporters are clearly the proponents of expanding Native Hawaiian homestead opportunities and fulfilling trust obligations, while any opposition would likely come from agencies or stakeholders affected by the loss of jurisdiction over state lands. However, no specific objections or named opponents appear in the provided record.
Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Establish And Provide Legislative Engagement Forums To Educate And Empower The Native Hawaiian Community Regarding The Legislative Process.