Hawaii Senate Bill SB902

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/21
• Refer: 1/29/21

Caption

Relating To Federal Lands.

Impact

This bill is poised to make important changes to state laws related to land use and management. It seeks to not only return the land to the state after military use but also aims to ensure that it is held in public trust and subsequently transferred to the appropriate native Hawaiian governance upon federal recognition. This could set a precedent for future land management agreements involving federal, state, and indigenous entities, marking a shift towards collaborative governance.

Summary

Senate Bill 902 establishes a Makua Valley Task Force within the Department of Land and Natural Resources to oversee the transition of management for the Makua Military Reservation from the United States Army upon the expiration of the Army's lease. The bill outlines the composition of the task force, which includes representatives from various stakeholders, such as the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, local families affected by land appropriation, and local non-profit organizations, as well as a military representative. The task force is tasked with preparing for this significant transition, ensuring that the management of the land honors environmental concerns and cultural heritage.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the cleanup of unexploded ordnance in Makua Valley and the potential for cultural access to the land. Stakeholders will need to navigate the sensitive nature of returning and managing land that has significant cultural and historical importance while balancing military obligations. The effectiveness of the task force and the outcomes of its discussions with the Army will be critical to address these complex issues.