Hawaii Senate Bill SB1188

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/25
• Refer: 1/27/25

Caption

Relating To Federal Land.

Impact

This bill will have significant implications for state laws relating to land management and conservation. By creating an advisory committee composed of various stakeholders, including experts in environmental conservation and Native Hawaiian rights, SB1188 seeks to ensure that the return of federal lands is handled thoughtfully and with respect to community interests. The committee's recommendations will potentially influence future legislation related to land use and environmental policy.

Summary

Senate Bill 1188 aims to address the management of federal lands in Hawaii by establishing an advisory committee tasked with inventorying lands currently held by the United States government. The bill emphasizes the importance of returning certain federal lands to the State, aligning with the philosophy articulated in Article XI, Section 1 of the Hawaii State Constitution, which mandates the conservation of Hawaii's natural resources. The committee will investigate which lands could realistically be returned and what conditions, such as environmental remediation, would accompany such transfers.

Contention

Opposition to the bill may arise regarding the extent of federal land ownership in Hawaii and the complexities involved in negotiating land transfers. Some stakeholders might express concerns about the feasibility of environmental remediation on lands previously managed by the federal government, as well as the potential economic impacts of these transfers on current federal operations. Moreover, the exclusion of certain high-profile federal properties from the inventory could lead to debates over which lands should be prioritized for return and the rationale behind these decisions.