Hawaii House Bill HB305

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/25
• Refer: 1/21/25

Caption

Relating To Land Restoration.

Impact

By implementing the Aloha Aina Land Trust, HB305 seeks to ensure that various environmentally sensitive lands, once used by the military, are preserved for ecological and cultural purposes. This would limit commercial uses of these lands, directing their management towards activities that support local food production, the restoration of native ecosystems, and initiatives enhancing cultural education. It enforces a structured approach to managing previously military-used lands, promoting both environmental sustainability and historical preservation.

Summary

House Bill 305 aims to establish the Aloha Aina Land Trust in Hawaii, primarily focused on the rehabilitation and sustainable management of lands ceded by the United States military once their leases expire. The bill outlines its provisions under a new part in Chapter 171 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, emphasizing the importance of ecological restoration, regenerative agriculture, and educational programs. The Aloha Aina Land Trust will serve to empower local residents and Native Hawaiian practitioners through community-led stewardship of these lands.

Contention

A point of contention around HB305 could arise regarding the control and management of lands transitioning back to Hawaiian communities, as there may be differing opinions on how these lands should be utilized and managed. The bill highlights a transfer to a sovereign Hawaiian entity upon recognition by the U.S. and State of Hawaii, potentially leading to discussions on sovereignty and rights associated with the lands. Additionally, stakeholders may debate the effectiveness of the Aloha Aina Land Trust in fulfilling the bill’s goals versus alternative approaches to land management.