Hawaii Senate Bill SR107

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25
• Report Pass: 4/2/25
• Passed: 4/3/25

Caption

Requesting The Attorney General To Produce And Provide A List Of State Lands Currently Leased To The United States Of America Or Any Federal Agency.

Summary

SR107 is a Senate resolution requesting the Hawaii Attorney General to compile and provide a list of state lands that are currently leased to the United States or any federal agency. The resolution focuses especially on long-standing leases to the federal government, including military leases, and frames the request in the context of Hawaii’s constitutional duty to conserve and protect natural resources and promote self-sufficiency. The resolution also asks the Attorney General to examine whether any state constitutional or other legal barriers exist to continuing such leases or entering into new ones, with particular attention to whether nominal-rent leases, such as leases for one dollar, may violate state law. It further requests that lessors of state land to the federal government provide information needed to complete the review, and directs that a certified copy be sent to the Attorney General.

Impact

SR107 does not itself change state law or terminate any leases, but it initiates a legal and factual review that could inform future legislative, administrative, or legal action regarding state lands leased to the federal government. If carried out, the Attorney General’s review could identify the scope of state-owned lands under federal lease, assess the legality of existing lease terms, and potentially support changes to leasing practices, especially for nominal consideration leases involving state lands and natural resources.

Sentiment

The resolution appears to have been received favorably in committee, passing the Senate Judiciary Committee 4-0 with amendments. The bill’s tone is strongly protective of state lands and critical of federal stewardship, particularly military and Trump-administration policies, suggesting broad support among its sponsors and committee members for investigating the issue. The available vote history indicates no recorded opposition at the committee stage.

Contention

The main points of contention are the federal government’s role as lessee and whether long-term or nominal-rent leases of state land are consistent with Hawaii law and constitutional obligations. The resolution specifically raises concerns about military stewardship, environmental harm, and the adequacy of compensation for state lands leased to federal entities. Supporters appear to view the inquiry as necessary to protect natural resources and evaluate legal compliance, while the resolution’s framing suggests concern that existing arrangements may be outdated or harmful.