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.
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.
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.
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.
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.