Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR98

Introduced
3/11/22  

Caption

Requesting The Governor To Certify Good Standing For All Lessees Of State Public Lands And Prohibit The State From Leasing Or Renewing The Lease Of Any Public Lands To Any Individual, Corporation, Or Public Agency That Has Not Met All Financial, Contractual, And Legal Obligations.

Impact

If enacted, the resolution would have a significant impact on how state public lands are managed and leased. It introduces a standard practice similar to that of private landlords, enforcing the necessity of lessees being in good standing prior to lease renewals. This is particularly important considering that some current lessees, including federal entities like the Department of Defense, have been identified as not fulfilling their obligations, which raises concerns regarding the impact of these failures on state resources and public safety.

Summary

Senate Resolution 98 (SR98) proposes a requirement that the Governor certifies good standing for all lessees of state public lands. The resolution seeks to prohibit the state from leasing or renewing any public lands to individuals, corporations, or public agencies that have failed to meet their financial, contractual, and legal obligations. This includes ensuring that lessees are compliant with their lease terms, including maintaining environmental standards and not engaging in criminal activities on the leased properties.

Conclusion

SR98 aims to tighten the criteria under which public lands are leased in Hawaii, ensuring that those who engage in noncompliance are held accountable. The resolution reflects a push towards greater oversight and responsibility among public land lessees, particularly in terms of environmental harms and adherence to laws, which could ultimately change the landscape of public land management in the State.

Contention

The resolution comes on the backdrop of specific concerns regarding the management of state public lands. Notably, there have been issues with the United States Navy and the Defense Logistics Agency regarding their upkeep of environmental protections and maintenance, especially in light of water contamination incidents linked to their activities. Additionally, the resolution highlights concerns about entities like the Monsanto Company, which has been fined for illegal activities but remains in a leasing agreement with the state. This raises questions about accountability and environmental stewardship among lessees.

Companion Bills

HI SCR111

Same As Requesting The Governor To Certify Good Standing For All Lessees Of State Public Lands And Prohibit The State From Leasing Or Renewing The Lease Of Any Public Lands To Any Individual, Corporation, Or Public Agency That Has Not Met All Financial, Contractual, And Legal Obligations.

HI HR169

Same As Requesting The Governor To Certify Good Standing For All Lessees Of State Public Lands And Prohibit The State From Leasing Or Renewing The Lease Of Any Public Lands To Any Individual, Corporation, Or Public Agency That Has Not Met All Financial, Contractual, And Legal Obligations.

Previously Filed As

HI SB2759

Relating To Land Leases.

HI SB620

Relating To Public Lands.

HI SB3157

Relating To Direct Negotiation For Public Land Leases.

HI HB2468

Relating To Direct Negotiation For Public Land Leases.

HI SR131

Requesting The Attorney General To File A Lawsuit Against Big Oil Corporations For Climate Damages To The State And Engage A Third-party Law Firm That Has Expertise In This Legal Area.

HI SR107

Requesting State And County Agencies To Notify Animal Welfare Organizations Of Deceased Cats And Dogs That Are Picked Up Along State And County Roadways.

HI SR113

Urging Hawaii's Congressional Delegation To Take All Actions Necessary And Proper To Cause The United States Congress To Fund The Construction And Commencement Of Operations Of A Laboratory Certified By The United States Environmental Protection Agency To Analyze Environmental Toxins In The State And Publish The Results To The Public.

HI SB622

Relating To Public Lands.

HI SB3158

Relating To Updating Public Land Leases Issued Pursuant To Chapter 171, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

HI SR136

Requesting That State And County Departments And Agencies Meet Certain Guidelines Before Passing Any Ordinance Or Rule That Restricts Subsistence Fishing.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.