Hawaii Senate Bill SCR240

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25

Caption

Urging The State Of Hawaii To Prohibit Certain Leases Of Public Land To The United States Department Of Defense.

Summary

SCR240 urges the State of Hawaii to prohibit certain leases of public land to the United States Department of Defense and its military branches if they fail to comply with established environmental maintenance and remediation requirements. The resolution emphasizes the state's duty to protect its lands and ensure that any lessee, including military entities, adheres to the same standards that other landlords enforce upon their tenants. This bill reflects a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible land management within Hawaii's jurisdiction, particularly concerning the military's impact on public lands. The resolution articulates specific conditions under which leasing is to be prohibited, particularly if the Department of Defense is noncompliant with any pertinent environmental orders or agreements. This highlights the state's authority to impose necessary standards to safeguard public health and ecological integrity. It addresses larger concerns about environmental degradation that could stem from military operations on Hawaii's public lands, which have far-reaching implications for the state's natural resources and community well-being. In seeking to ensure compliance, SCR240 calls upon the Board of Land and Natural Resources to formally request that all current leases include these environmental compliance requirements. Additionally, the Board is tasked with overseeing any necessary remediation work or hazard removal before lease terms conclude, should leases be allowed to continue under compliance stipulations. The resolution aims to mitigate risks to ecosystems and public health tied to military land use. This initiative is part of a broader discourse on the balance between military operations and local environmental concerns, reflecting a point of contention over land use rights, environmental obligations, and the extent of military influence in the state. As the legislature considers SCR240, it will likely face discussions over the implications for state-federal relations, community concerns, and the execution of military activities within Hawaii.