Hawaii Senate Bill SR116

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/16/26
• Refer: 3/19/26

Caption

Urging The Board Of Land And Natural Resources To Extend For A Period Of Ten Years The Leases And Subleases On Mauna Kea Lands.

Summary

SR116 is a Senate resolution urging the Board of Land and Natural Resources to extend, for an additional ten years, the existing lease or easement arrangements involving Mauna Kea lands and the related subleases used for telescope observatories and other astronomical research. The resolution specifically references the current lease structure under Act 255, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, which transferred the lands to the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, and notes that the master lease and subleases are currently set to expire on December 31, 2033. The measure does not itself change statutory law or directly amend any lease terms; rather, it expresses the Senate’s position and urges the relevant state entities to act. It directs certified copies to the Board of Land and Natural Resources, the University of Hawaii Board of Regents, and the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, signaling that these bodies are the primary decision-makers for any extension.

Impact

SR116 would have no direct legal effect by itself, because it is a resolution rather than a bill and does not amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes or automatically extend any lease. Its practical impact is to encourage state land officials, the University of Hawaii, and the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority to preserve the current Mauna Kea land-use framework for another decade, which would affect the long-term status of observatory operations, astronomical research users, and the management of state lands on Mauna Kea.

Sentiment

The available record suggests generally supportive sentiment toward maintaining continuity for Mauna Kea observatory and research leases, as reflected in the resolution’s urging language and the absence of recorded opposition, committee debate, or vote history in the provided materials. Because no transcripts or votes are included, there is no documented formal split in the available context, but the resolution’s wording indicates an intent to favor extension and stability over near-term lease expiration.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is the future of Mauna Kea land use, especially the balance between continued astronomical research and broader concerns about stewardship, governance, and the handling of state lands. The resolution favors extending leases and subleases for observatories, which may be supported by research and university stakeholders, while any opposition would likely come from parties concerned about land management, cultural or environmental impacts, or whether a ten-year extension is appropriate before the 2033 expiration date. No specific objections are documented in the provided materials.