Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR221

Introduced
3/7/25  

Caption

Urging The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands To Repeal, Revoke, Or Buy Out The Remainder Of The Lease Of The Prince Kuhio Plaza And Resell That Lease At Fair Market Value To A New Entity That Agrees To Properly Maintain The Property.

Impact

The resolution highlights that the inadequacies in the management have led to a deterioration of the plaza, including structural issues and declining conditions, adversely affecting tenants and visitors. As a result, the vibrancy and economic stability of the plaza have diminished, impacting local commerce. The current state of disrepair threatens the DHHL's mission to benefit Native Hawaiian beneficiaries, emphasizing that the lack of maintenance may hinder the department's capacity to fund essential programs in the future.

Summary

SCR221 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii urging the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) to repeal, revoke, or buy out the remainder of the lease for the Prince Kuhio Plaza. This property, located in Hilo, is the largest enclosed mall on the island and serves a critical role as a commercial and economic hub for the local community. The resolution stresses the importance of maintaining the property in good condition to support local businesses and employment opportunities, which have been adversely affected by the current lessee's failure to manage and maintain the plaza properly.

Contention

The proposed actions in SCR221 aim to facilitate a transition in ownership and management of the property, with a focus on finding a new entity that can ensure proper maintenance and drive economic revitalization. By advocating for a resale of the lease at fair market value, the resolution seeks to restore the plaza's standing as a thriving economic center, mitigating the adverse effects caused by the previous management. There may be discussions on the implications of such actions concerning local governance and economic policy surrounding public and private property management in Hawaii.

Companion Bills

HI SR196

Same As Urging The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands To Repeal, Revoke, Or Buy Out The Remainder Of The Lease Of The Prince Kuhio Plaza And Resell That Lease At Fair Market Value To A New Entity That Agrees To Properly Maintain The Property.

Similar Bills

HI SR38

Supporting The Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group's Request For Resources And Timeline Extension For Fiscal Year 2025-2026.

HI HB1087

Relating To Historic Preservation Reviews.

HI SB1406

Relating To Historic Preservation Reviews.

HI SR196

Urging The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands To Repeal, Revoke, Or Buy Out The Remainder Of The Lease Of The Prince Kuhio Plaza And Resell That Lease At Fair Market Value To A New Entity That Agrees To Properly Maintain The Property.

HI HR186

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI HCR193

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI SR130

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.

HI SCR161

Requesting The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs To Convene A Working Group To Examine And Consider The Transfer Of Native Hawaiian Burial Site Management Under Chapter 6e, Hawaii Revised Statutes, From The State Historic Preservation Division To The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs.