Hawaii House Bill HR145

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/14/25

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Submit A Detailed Report On Its Lease Enforcement Process And Procedures.

Impact

The resolution aims to enhance transparency and governance by mandating the DLNR to provide detailed documentation regarding its lease enforcement practices. The report is expected to include the formal policies and procedures for monitoring lease compliance, assessments of lessees' standings, and a thorough account of cases where leases were revoked or not renewed due to violations. By doing so, it seeks to increase clarity on enforcement decisions, thereby informing policymakers and the public of the state of lease compliance and enforcement within the department.

Summary

House Resolution 145, introduced in the Thirty-third Legislature of Hawaii, requests the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to submit a comprehensive report on its lease enforcement process and procedures. The resolution emphasizes the importance of responsible management and protection of the state's natural and cultural resources while ensuring that public lands are used appropriately in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Acknowledging the department's policy against renewing or issuing leases to entities that have previously violated agreements, the resolution points to credible evidence indicating such violations may have occurred, particularly involving military lessees.

Contention

Notably, there is potential contention regarding the effectiveness of current lease enforcement policies and the authority of the DLNR in overseeing lease agreements. Critics may argue that existing practices may not adequately deter violations or ensure accountability, thereby undermining the stewardship role of the department. Additionally, the resolution could raise debates about the rights and responsibilities of lessees, especially in cases involving governmental or military entities, which may have unique considerations compared to private lessees.