Hawaii Senate Bill SCR160

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25

Caption

Requesting The Attorney General To Assess Whether There Has Been A Substantial Or Material Breach Of General Lease No. 231 Executed By And Between The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands And The National Park Service.

Impact

The resolution specifically requests that the Attorney General assess whether there has been a substantial or material breach of the aforementioned lease due to the National Park Service's reduced capacity to manage its obligations. This assessment is critical because it could have implications for state land management and the preservation of cultural heritage sites within state jurisdiction. Furthermore, it considers the anticipated transfer of Kalawao County to the County of Maui as the last patient in the park is expected to pass.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 160 (SCR160) is a legislative request directed toward the Attorney General of Hawaii. This resolution arises in the context of recent workforce reductions implemented by the federal executive administration, including significant layoffs within the National Park Service, affecting around one thousand employees. The Ninth Circuit Court's ruling that these layoffs, particularly those affecting probationary employees, are illegal raises concerns regarding the federal agency's capability to fulfill its commitments to the State of Hawaii, especially in terms of land stewardship according to General Lease No. 231 between the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the National Park Service.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SCR160 involves the balance between federal and state responsibilities in managing lands designated for the Hawaiian Home Lands and historic parks. Questions about the adequacy of federal oversight amid staff reductions and the potential for conflicts over land management duties may surface as stakeholders await the Attorney General's findings. Advocates for the preservation of Hawaiian lands may argue for stronger scrutiny and accountability to ensure that state lands are protected, which adds an element of public interest and concern to the resolution.