Relating To Land Used By The United States Military In Hawaii.
Impact
Central to this bill is the establishment of a surplus military land task force within the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development. The task force is composed of various stakeholders, including legislative representatives and environmental organizations, tasked with the mission of planning for the restoration and remediation of federal lands transitioning back to state control. By systematically inventorying these lands and identifying contamination issues, the task force aims to develop actionable plans to mitigate environmental hazards and promote beneficial land use.
Summary
House Bill 2360 aims to address issues related to land used by the United States military in Hawaii. The bill highlights concerns regarding federal ownership and control over military facilities, which have resulted in environmental contamination of fresh and ocean waters and soil. With the expiration and renewal of leases between the state and the federal government on the horizon, this legislation seeks to proactively create a framework for addressing these challenges, particularly in planning for the remediation and potential alternative uses of the affected lands.
Contention
The bill’s focus on remediation and restoration underscores its potential impact on state environmental laws and regulations governing land use and protection. Notably, there could be contention regarding the effectiveness of federal versus state authority in managing environmental issues on military lands. The effort to negotiate with federal agencies for land return and remediation arrangements may be seen as complex, potentially drawing input from various community and environmental advocacy groups. Furthermore, concerns regarding the integration of restoration measures with the preservation of Native Hawaiian practices may provoke lively discussion among stakeholders interested in balancing environmental needs with cultural heritage.
Requesting All Branches Of The United States Military To Display The Hawaiian Flag On All United States Military Reservations And Military Training Facilities In The State.
Requesting All Branches Of The United States Military To Display The Hawaiian Flag On All United States Military Reservations And Military Training Facilities In The State.