If enacted, the bill will alter the public lands statutes, specifically Section 171 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, by excluding certain lands from the public lands definition. It specifies that lands held by the HHFDC which are no longer needed for housing and development purposes must be returned to the public trust under DLNR. This reallocation of land management authority has been touted by proponents as a necessary step towards addressing Hawaii's housing crisis, allowing for quicker responses to housing needs without bureaucratic delays.
Summary
House Bill 81 aims to amend the classification and management of public lands within the State of Hawaii. The bill seeks to exempt lands that have been set aside by the governor to the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) specifically for the purpose of developing affordable housing from being classified as public lands subject to the management of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). This change is significant as it allows for more streamlined development of affordable housing projects without the constraints typically associated with public land management.
Contention
The potential implications of HB 81 have generated discussions among stakeholders regarding the balance between state oversight and local needs. Critics of the bill may argue that exempting lands from DLNR management could lead to mismanagement or lack of environmental oversight. Concerns about prioritizing housing development over public land use and conservation could arise, highlighting a tension between development interests and the preservation of public lands for community benefit. Stakeholders from various sectors will need to evaluate the long-term effects this bill may have on land management and housing accessibility in Hawaii.