Relating To The Transfer Of Non-agricultural Park Lands.
The passage of HB 1720 would have a significant effect on state laws governing land management and agricultural operations in Hawaii. By transferring jurisdiction and management responsibilities of these lands to the Department of Agriculture, the bill aims to streamline processes related to agricultural activities and better utilize the land for public agricultural purposes. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the DOA must gather information regarding any necessary easements from the DLNR to prevent potential legal conflicts during land leasing processes. This change is also intended to enhance the economic viability of agricultural operations conducted on these lands.
House Bill 1720 aims to facilitate the transfer of specific non-agricultural park lands from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to the Department of Agriculture (DOA) in Hawaii. The bill sets a deadline of December 31, 2023, for the transfer of these lands and mandates that both departments meet periodically to discuss potential future land transfers. The rationale behind this legislation is to ensure efficient management of the 19,000 acres of non-agricultural park lands, many of which have been identified but remain untransferred since the inception of this policy in 2003 under Act 90.
While the bill is aimed at improving land management and agricultural productivity, there are concerns surrounding the implications of transferring control over non-agricultural park lands. Opponents may argue that the transfer could lead to reduced conservation efforts, as such lands are vital for maintaining ecological balance. Additionally, there may be worry among stakeholders about how these transfers could potentially limit public access to certain lands that had specific conservation mandates. The requirement for both departments to convene every five years to reassess land transfer could help address some concerns, but it might also serve as a point of contention among those who view ongoing oversight as burdensome.