Relating To Interim Administrative Rules Of The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands.
If passed, SB3104 would significantly alter the regulatory framework governing the operations of the DHHL, streamlining the process for establishing immediate rules without the extensive procedural requirements normally required by Hawaii's administrative rulemaking process. Proponents argue that this flexibility is necessary to address urgent issues affecting beneficiaries of Hawaiian Home Lands, potentially leading to quicker responses to community needs and circumstances. However, the provision for bypassing traditional public consultation could raise concerns about transparency and accountability in decision-making, particularly among stakeholders who advocate for greater public involvement in state affairs.
SB3104 is a legislative proposal concerning the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) aimed at providing the department with interim rulemaking authority. This bill seeks to allow the DHHL to issue interim rules following a process of beneficiary consultation and obtaining approval from the Hawaiian Homes Commission. One of the notable features of SB3104 is that it exempts these interim rules from the typical requirements of public notice, public hearings, and gubernatorial approval as outlined in existing state regulations. This exemption is set to be effective for a period not exceeding eighteen months from the date the interim rules are enacted.
Concerns surrounding SB3104 primarily center on the balance between efficiency and public engagement. Critics argue that while the intent of the bill may be to expedite essential rulemaking for the benefit of individuals and communities involved with the Hawaiian Home Lands program, the removal of public notice and hearing requirements could diminish the legislative oversight and opportunities for stakeholder input. This contention suggests a potential conflict between the need for speedy governance in response to local issues and the principles of democratic engagement and accountability, raising the question of whether such interim rules could overstep the public interest.