Hawaii Senate Bill SB2549

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/22
• Refer: 1/24/22

Caption

Relating To Land Leases.

Impact

The passage of SB2549 would significantly impact public lands management in Hawaii, requiring compliance verification through certification by the Office of the Governor before any lease issuance or extension. The bill highlights ongoing issues related to military leases, particularly those held by the Department of Defense, which have traditionally faced challenges in meeting financial obligations. For example, it notes significant unpaid impact aid owed to the state, indicating that local taxpayers could have been unfairly subsidizing the costs associated with military families using public services.

Summary

SB2549 aims to regulate the leasing of public lands in Hawaii by prohibiting the state from leasing or extending leases to any individual, corporation, or federal agency that is not in good standing with the state. The bill seeks to ensure that lessees meet their financial, contractual, and legal obligations, including the payment of taxes, rents, and any other moneys owed to the state. Additionally, the legislation stipulates that no leases should be issued to parties who are noncompliant with environmental maintenance requirements or who have been convicted of a crime.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB2549 is its focus on entities like the Department of Defense and businesses such as the Monsanto Company, which have historical noncompliance with state regulations. Critics may argue this bill could disproportionately affect these entities and their operations in Hawaii, sparking a debate over balancing environmental accountability with economic interests. The bill aims to prevent entities that have failed in past obligations from benefiting from public land leases, a move that supporters argue is essential for environmental protection and fiscal responsibility.